EatWild 112 - Deer Hunting in BC: Where, When & How with Craig McLean

What makes a good deer hunting spot? And how much can we learn about where deer are going to be by understanding the habitat, weather, and behaviour that shape their lives? This week on the EatWild Podcast, I sit down with wildlife biologist and longtime hunter Craig McLean to take a deep dive into mule deer and white-tailed deer in British Columbia. Craig spent much of his career as a wildlife biologist with the Province of BC, working with deer, sheep, habitat, and wildlife populations across southern BC. He’s also a passionate hunter, which makes this conversation particularly interesting. We get to look at deer from both sides of the equation — understanding the biology and then applying that knowledge when we head into the mountains or the bush with a rifle. We talk about how mule deer and whitetails use the landscape, why they move between summer and winter ranges, how fire and habitat changes affect deer populations, and what harsh winters can mean for the animals we hunt. Craig and I get into glassing, still hunting, hunting open alpine country versus forested terrain, rattling for whitetails, seasonal movement, and some of the things newer hunters can do to become better at finding and understanding deer. We also talk about meat care during early-season hunts, disease and population management, the importance of research and local knowledge, and why sometimes the best hunting strategy is simply to slow down, be patient, and pay attention. There’s a lot in this conversation for both new and experienced deer hunters. If you want to become better at hunting deer in BC, understanding how they use the landscape is a pretty good place to start. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Craig McLean and the podcast 00:11 Introduction to Deer Hunting Strategies 02:04 Glassings Tips and Optics Use in Open Country 04:13 Still Hunting Techniques on Ridges and Slopes 04:17 Craig's background in wildlife management and hunting 07:37 Deer species in BC and their population dynamics 08:01 Evolution and habitat of white-tailed deer in BC 09:55 Seasonal Movement Patterns of Mule Deer 10:37 Mule deer habitat, fire impact, and population trends 14:47 Hunting in Alpine and Open Terrain 20:14 Deer Behavior and Cover in Forested Areas 21:29 Migration patterns and seasonal ranges of deer 24:58 Patience and Observation in Hunting Success 30:12 Managing Deer Populations and Seasons 30:33 Understanding summer and winter ranges 35:09 Meat Care Tips for Early Season Hunting 40:02 Impact of Disease and Winter Severity on Deer 43:03 Triggers for migration and habitat shifts 44:53 Strategies for Hunting Winter Range Deer 50:00 Using Rattling and Calling for White-Tails 50:54 Impact of harsh winters and snow conditions 54:29 Craig's passion for hunting and conservation 54:58 Success Stories and Personal Experiences 57:26 Essential gear and tips for new hunters 59:46 Final Tips and Advice for Hunters CWDBC.ca is an initiative by Hunters for BC to help educate Hunters on their role in limiting the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in BC. Visit huntersforbc.ca today to join the conservation circle. The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for the hunt. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are all packed into it to provide you with the information you need for your next adventure. Stikine Packrafts are heavy on adventure and light on your back.  These versatile rafts are ideal for hunters, foragers and fishers to open up a world of adventures. Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.   If you need game bags, knives or lightweight gear from a Canadian company, check out HUTO LIFESTYLE – HUTO Lifestyle Clothing & Apparel