 |
| Young Buck wandering a field in the daylight. |
Iowa is still in the Pre-Rut phase (as of Oct. 17th). However, this year is different from most years. With an early “rutting moon” on the calendar, early frost, early Fall colors and record early harvest it appears likely that the rut will come early for Iowa this year as well. We are seeing this play out as surges of abnormally cool weather are leading to some of the strongest "pre-rut" behavior many hunters have seen in years. I expect most areas to start seeing the “seeking phase” by October 25th –almost two full weeks ahead of last years pattern. If you’re planning a hunting excursion, keep this in mind!
Pre-Rut: This phase can be quite lengthy lasting for several weeks. As the temperatures cool, deer are becoming more active during daylight. Bucks are making scrapes, rubs and sparring with each other. Summertime bachelor groups are dispersing and dominance is established. Small bucks begin nudging does around as this phase transitions into the “seeking phase.”
Seeking: During the seeking phase, young bucks -as my friend likes to say “college boys”- begin pushing does around. They’re curious, but generally move from one doe to another without giving chase. Mature bucks are also expanding their home range marking travel routes with scrapes and rubs and fights for territory and dominance become more common. You’ll catch them cruise a field edge or travel corridor, moving with steady purpose. This is an excellent time to be a stand hunter. Rattling and grunting work well in this phase. Travel corridors between bedding areas will often have numerous bucks cruising the loop looking for a girlfriend. Daylight action increases from the “pre-rut,” but deer are still generally predictable. Bucks begin to aggressively cut and hound does as this phase transitions to the “chasing” phase.
"Chase Phase" This is the phase most hunters associate with the rut. Mature deer are moving in broad daylight, and deer activity is nearly non-stop. Does are coming into estrous soon, and a buck will become her shadow once she’s ready. On stand, mature bucks magically appear and disappear with fighting, scraping and rubbing all commonplace. Fields that normally experienced regular feeding activity can often become frustratingly inconsistent. Big bucks are often extremely aggressive and vocal. They'll often respond to calls unless they’re with a doe.
"Peak Breeding" This usually occurs within a week of the Rutting Full Moon. This is the 2nd full moon after the equinox. Physiological changes in does cause the majority of the doe herd to come into heat at nearly the same time (give or take a few days). This year the rutting full moon is October 29th which would place "peak breeding" around November 6th. One of the most frustrating characteristics of peak breeding is “lockdown.” Bucks are nearly twice the size of does, and they corral a doe that is nearly ready to breed often standing over her to keep watch and keep other bucks at bay. Breeding is a tough time to be on stand, as activity comes to a crashing halt just days after the frenzied “chasing” phase. To be successful, you might try being mobile and aggressive.
"Post-Rut" Activity levels ramp back up to a secondary peak, but both feeding and traveling can be irregular. I have had good luck with this phase of the rut. Fall back on a feeding pattern or sit on those morning travel corridors close to bedding… patience pays off well as does try to resume their daily routine. Mature bucks will frantically check the herd to make sure the job is done, and this could bring them right by your stand.
I look forward to the coming weeks and I hope you are too. As long as we can keep from heating the temps too high, I think Iowa is in line for one of the best ruts we’ve seen in years. Good Luck -Chris
No comments:
Post a Comment