General question to all who have spent a fair amount of time on stand this fall. Where do you think we are right now with regards to the rut? I ask because I've talked with some people who seem to think peak is past and it's almost over, but I have been seeing 3-4 does at a time walking along browsing unmolested, haven't seen any chasing at all. Curious to know what you all think, and have seen.
-
If you enjoy the forum please consider supporting it by signing up for a NES Membership The benefits pay for the membership many times over.
-
Be sure to enter the NES/Pioneer Valley Arms April Giveaway ***Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9MM***
Rut timing
- Thread starter BruceP
- Start date
RB101
NES Member
In NH it seems to be on in full force. I saw 2 bucks chasing a single doe Saturday. 2 weeks prior I saw a buck leading the pack of 2 other deer, but this past weekend, clearly, these two gents were fighting each other for her attention and chasing her. That being said, I have seen very few deer this season, so others may think or have seen otherwise.
Starting at the full moon on November 10, more and more are being hit on the highways, but not crazy yet.
In the woods of the North Shore I have yet to see scrapes, rubs or acorns, and the squirrels are awful busy.
Saw a nice buck today, but although he paused at my bleat, he did not show any interest in my doe can or try to get around to scent check me. Branches got in the way of a 30 yard shot.
Perhaps the warmth is holding the rut down, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for Saturday morning.
In the woods of the North Shore I have yet to see scrapes, rubs or acorns, and the squirrels are awful busy.
Saw a nice buck today, but although he paused at my bleat, he did not show any interest in my doe can or try to get around to scent check me. Branches got in the way of a 30 yard shot.
Perhaps the warmth is holding the rut down, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for Saturday morning.
Not all does go into heat at the exact same day. They stay in heat for approx 36 hours. Most does will cycle through sometime between 5 and 12 days after the Nov full moon which was on the 10th.
Further illustrating my point are my gallant adventures from yesterday ...
Hit a new spot with a friend yesterday. We walked in blind around noon to an approximate area we wanted to check out. Dropped our climbers and proceeded to walk a big loop speed scout. About 3/4 the way through we jumped a buck. He didnt go far and offered me a shot at 40 yards. I nocked an arrow and began to draw and BAM!!! Punched myself in the face. Guess I didnt get the release on the loop all the way in my hurry. He moved a little, enough to not have a window to shoot but certainly was not buggering out too fast. Nocked another arrow and took a couple steps to try to find a window and he reversed and bounced back across in front of us. It then became clear why he was not in texas by now. A doe jumped out of her bed not 20 yards away as he crossed in front of her. Clearly she was in heat and he didnt want to leave her. He got lucky it didnt cost him his life....
Someday everyone can be a cool as me.... lol
![[laugh]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/012.gif "Laugh [laugh]")
I say it's still going. I've seen rubs and scrapes all over. Also been seeing different bucks come around too. Ones I've never seen on camera. I had a lot of what I would guess at about 2 year year olds, some forlks and mostly 3x3's. Now I've seen some goons!!! Big, old, and grey...
Last edited:
For me, I sit in my stand all day.
HorizontalHunter
NES Member
I think that you should get out of the blind and do some spot and stalk. Boxer and I would appreciate it. LOL
Seriously; I sit all day or as much as my wasted back will allow. I have shot a lot of deer between 10:00 AM and 2:00PM when other hunters are going out to the car for lunch and to warm up.
The bucks are still seeking and chasing, at least in the western part of the state. I had a big buck come in with his nose to the ground this morning at 10:15. He came in to 8 yards before I got him to stop. There was just no shot as he came in almost straight on and when I got him stopped his vitals were covered. Then the wind swirled and he was gone.
Bob
