Rational behind the deer snort

For those that have never heard a deer “snort” it can be hard to explain. Some call it snorting or refer to it as a deer blowing. In the past decade I have spent equal time hunting white-tailed deer and mule deer, white-tailed deer seem to use this vocalization frequently since they are a highly vocalized species. The problem with this noise is that you do not want it to happen. These noises are considered alarm or distress calls. A well put together vocalization guide by Whitetails Unlimited outlines three reasons white-tailed deer use these sounds. First, the noise warns all deer that something is radically wrong. Second, the sneeze cleans the nasal passages, and helps the deer sniff the air for what seems to be wrong. Third, they will use it in hopes of startling a predator into revealing its location or leaving the area. They say blows are drawn-out whooshes repeated several times. Snorts are single, very short, explosive sounds given as the deer turns to run.

For me it happened just the other week. I walked about a mile to my favorite hunting spot behind a small beat up cedar tree. I was well hidden with tall weeds at my back. Normally I will sit down to work on homework while I wait for dusk when the deer are most active. I usually stand up every ten minutes to check for deer in the area. A few seconds after I stood up I heard that hope shattering noise toward my back. I look over to see two doe running away in a hurry. They had snuck in behind my back and saw the sudden movement when I stood up. It caught them off guard which alerted them to danger. It wasn’t the first and won’t be the last time it happens to me.

To combat this happening to you just go back to the basics of hunting. Be quiet, move slowly, and pay attention at all times. Before you start daydreaming of that big buck, don’t forget it begins with the little things.