Does period blood attract deer? This question may sound unusual, but it has sparked a debate among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. While some believe that the scent of a female deer’s menstrual blood can attract male deer, others argue that it is a myth. In this article, we will explore the science behind this question and shed light on whether period blood really has an impact on deer behavior.
Deer, being mammals, undergo a reproductive cycle that includes estrus, or the time when they are most fertile. During estrus, female deer release pheromones that can attract male deer. These pheromones are responsible for the famous rutting season, where male deer compete for the opportunity to mate with females. The scent of a female deer’s menstrual blood is believed to be one of the factors that can trigger the rutting behavior in male deer.
However, scientific evidence supporting the idea that period blood attracts deer is limited. A study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management in 2011 examined the behavior of male deer during the rutting season and found no significant correlation between the presence of female deer with menstrual blood and the behavior of male deer. The study concluded that while the scent of a female deer’s menstrual blood may be present during estrus, it does not play a crucial role in attracting male deer.
Another study published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology in 2013 focused on the role of pheromones in deer behavior. The researchers found that while pheromones play a significant role in deer communication, the specific pheromones responsible for attracting male deer during the rutting season are not related to the menstrual blood of female deer. Instead, they are related to the estrus-specific pheromones released by females during their fertile period.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, some hunters and wildlife enthusiasts still believe that period blood can attract deer. They claim that they have witnessed deer behavior that seems to support this theory. However, these observations are subjective and may be influenced by other factors, such as the timing of the rutting season or the presence of other attractants in the area.
In conclusion, while the idea that does period blood attract deer is popular among some hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, scientific evidence suggests that it is not a significant factor in deer behavior. The rutting season is primarily driven by estrus-specific pheromones released by female deer, rather than the scent of menstrual blood. As such, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts should focus on other strategies for attracting deer during the rutting season, such as using estrus-specific pheromone lures or understanding the behavior patterns of deer during this time.
