Archive for the ‘Deer Rutting Period Hunting’ Category
Deer Rut Body Signs
During the early stages and throughout the rut, deer will use different body signs and language than any other times of the year. A hunter needs to learn and pay attention to these signs as a means of understanding when the deer rut occurs.
Bucks
The bucks appearance will change towards the deer rut. The neck will begin to increase in size. The hair on the tarsal glands will become darker. Other changes include scars and broken tines due to fighting.
The deer rut also brings aggression into play. The bucks will often raise the hairs on its back, extend the ears back, and walk stiff legged. These are all signs that the rut is near.
While travelling the bucks will often keep nose to the ground searching for estrus does. The bucks may also be seen during daylight hours more frequently.
Does
The deer rut also changes how the does act. The does will often separate from the main herd of deer during estrus. A sign that the doe is coming into season is that the tale is held straight out as the doe walks.
When walking, the doe may frequently rotate the ears backward or keep a watchful look over her back trail. This can be an indication that a buck may be following. Both can be signs of the deer rut.
These are just a few signs of the deer rut. By watching the body signs and actions of deer, they can be used to better determine when the rut occurs.
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8 Deer Rut Tips
1. Be aware of the changing deer signs found throughout the area to be hunted. As the deer rut approaches, there will be more deer activity.
2. Look for and hunt well kept scrape lines during the early deer rut period. Deer hunting scrapes found leading from bedding areas to feeding areas can be very productive.
3. A rub line can also be an effective location to hunt during the early stages of the rut. As with scrape lines, more than one buck will make use of these areas.
4. Hunt near areas that offer good doe activity. Feeding and bedding areas that provide doe sightings will soon have bucks and will offer prime locations for the hunter.
5. Keep a watchful eye out for younger bucks that begin cruising or chasing after does. This is an obvious sign that the deer rut is near. Mature bucks will soon be more active.
6. Pay close attention to the body language of the does. A doe that is constantly looking back may be an indication that a buck is nearby.
7. As the deer rut progresses, find and hunt near isolated patches of cover. Does will frequent these areas and the bucks will follow.
8. After the initial phases of the deer rut, the bucks will return to thick cover to rest. Locating and deer hunting these areas hard can be very effective.
7 Deer Rut Tips
This article offers seven tips for deer hunting during the rut period.
Scent Control
It is very important for hunters to take steps in reducing human odors. Proper clothing and maintenance, using scent controlling sprays, and being aware of wind directions are all vital for success. If deer hunting all day, remember to focus on scent control throughout. Mature bucks will continue to be alert for danger even during the rutting periods so watch your odors.
Hunt Feeding Areas
Both does and bucks will continue to feed throughout the deer rut. Although the bucks may not feed as much as normal, they will follow does and take advantage of the available food sources. Field crops, acorns, and secluded food plots are often good locations for finding deer during the rut.
Hunt Secluded Areas
During the rut, does coming into estrus often move away from the main deer herd. A small secluded area that provides some cover can be a great place for a hunter to set up stand. These areas don’t need to be overly thick or dense with cover. A field overgrown with tall grass or a thin sapling thicket can be all that’s needed for the does to begin breeding.
Hunt Longer
Since the deer rut will get bucks moving around more, it is wise to stay in the woods as much as possible while deer hunting. It is not unusual to see bucks roaming the woods at all hours of the day. Prepare accordingly with adequate clothing, food and drink, and a comfortable place to sit.
Hunt The Rut
As soon as the first signs of the rutting period occurs, hunters should spend all available time deer hunting. The pre rut, rut, and post rut periods all offer excellent opportunities for those who spend extra time in the field.
Use A Grunt Call
The deer rut is a good time to use a grunt call. Bucks will respond to a grunt better during the rut than any other time. Mix a series of soft grunts together or try louder grunts to see what works best. Since most areas will have a decent number of bucks, at any given time one or more may be willing to respond to grunting.
Stay Focused
It can be very easy for a hunter to let his or her guard down while spending long hours on stand. It is important not to fall into this trap. There is an old saying that you only have about five seconds on average to identify and make a harvest attempt on a buck. This is often very true so it is wise to always stay focused especially during the deer rutting periods.
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