The Whitetail Rut is generally broken down into key phases, each with their own unique differences. This time of the year is regarded as one of the best time’s to shoot a mature deer, but some phases of the Rut can be very difficult to hunt. Here’s a look at the characteristics of each of the phases of the Rut.
Pre-Rut: This phase can be quite lengthy lasting for several weeks. Deer are becoming more active during daylight. Bucks are scraping in the dirt, making rubs on trees and sparring with each other. Summertime bachelor groups are dispersing as dominance is established. Does couldn’t care less about bucks. Small bucks begin nudging does around as this phase transitions into the “seeking phase.”
Seeking: Small bucks -as my friend likes to say “college boys”- begin pushing does around. They’re checking to see if any does are ready for breeding, but generally move from one to another without giving chase. Mature bucks are also expanding their home range marking travel routes with scrapes and rubs. You’ll catch them cruising a field edge or travel corridor, moving with purpose. Fights for territory sometimes break out but don’t seem to last too long. This is an excellent time to be a stand hunter. Rattling and grunting work well now. Travel corridors between bedding areas will often have numerous bucks cruising the loop looking for a girlfriend. Daylight action increases, but deer are still generally patternable. Bucks begin to hound does as this phase transitions to the “chasing” phase. Central Iowa is transitioning from the “seeking” phase to the “chasing” phase. I’ll talk more about the rest of the Rut in my next blog. Good luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment