When the temperature approaches the 80s, do deer hunters stay home? A recent press release from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that fewer deer were killed during urban deer hunts in years when the weather is warm than in years with more seasonable temperatures.

Similar trends are seen during regular hunting seasons, but the result is more acute during urban hunts, because they may only last a day or a few days.

The nicest thing about this press release is that it offers a few years of data, with the number of deer killed and the temperature. Add it to or compare it with your own data from urban hunts for some possible insight. Read more here.

If you are interested in urban deer, don’t miss the current issue of The Wildlife Society Bulletin, which focuses on urban deer. Articles include contraceptive use, the influence of roads and various controlled hunt issues. Read more here. (Fee or subscription required.)

Photo: courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources