Season: July

Explore July's hot-weather wildlife behavior — deer in velvet, early furbearer signs, and bird activity during peak daylight hours.

July — Mid-Summer Growth and Independence

Mammals

In July, many fur-bearing mammals such as martens, fishers, mink, ermines, northern foxes, beavers, ground squirrels, and chipmunks conclude the period of intensive parental care. Juveniles begin feeding independently, learning to hunt alongside parents or dispersing to establish their own territories. Some species like squirrels and snowshoe hares produce second litters this month. Meanwhile, certain desert-adapted rodents (e.g., thirteen-lined and yellow ground squirrels) may enter a summer torpor to escape heat and drought.

For ungulates, July is a challenging month due to high temperatures, insect harassment, and, in southern areas, water scarcity. To avoid biting flies and heat stress, deer and elk often seek cooler northern coastal zones or higher mountain elevations. Mountain species like mule deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats retreat into shaded forests and high alpine areas. Moose frequent wetlands and water bodies, feeding extensively on aquatic plants to cope with heat and pests.

Among fur-bearing carnivores like martens and fishers, July marks the start of the breeding season, while others like bears continue nurturing their young.

Birds

July sees the fledging of many waterfowl and upland game bird broods. Young birds take their first flights, though many remain flightless for some time. Adult ducks undergo their post-breeding molt, replacing bright spring plumage with more subdued summer feathers and often gathering into post-breeding flocks.

In southern regions, the molting of species such as mallards, scaup, and canvasbacks continues throughout July. Broods of teal become airborne by mid-month. Second broods appear for mourning doves and some upland game birds. Migratory shorebirds such as spotted sandpipers begin returning south late in the month.

Migration and Regional Notes

• In northern boreal forests and tundra, juveniles of species like wood ducks, mallards, and northern pintails grow rapidly, while some late nesters continue incubating eggs.

• The southern United States experiences a lull in migration as many species settle into summer residency.

• Along the Pacific and Atlantic flyways, molting flocks of waterfowl gather in wetlands, preparing for upcoming fall migrations.

Hunting and Conservation

Hunting remains closed for many game species in July to protect vulnerable broods and molting adults. Wildlife managers recommend minimizing disturbances near nesting sites and water sources during this sensitive period.

July at a Glance

Game Species Found in July