Absolutely nothing is more exciting to the deer hunter than the sight of a grunting buck chasing a frantic doe from one ridge top to another. This is the sign to all hunters that the peak breeding period, or what many hunters like to refer to as “the rut”, is underway. When this peak breeding period finally kicks in, the normally nocturnal whitetail deer suddenly becomes very daytime oriented. This can mean, of course, a lot more opportunities at bucks including big ones during actual legal hunting hours. However, in order to take full advantage of the rutting season, here’s a few things to consider.
Even though bucks are definitely more active during daylight hours during the rut, their movements can be much more erratic and far less predictable. Worth noting, a buck’s travel pattern and location is now primarily dictated by the doe. No longer will they be as concerned about making scrapes and working their rub lines. In fact, they often abandon them completely. The good news is – a doe’s feeding, traveling, and bedding pattern can be very predictable. The only unknown at this point is – which doe is the buck going to be with at any given time.
The best hunting advice one can adhere to now is to concentrate much more on hunting doe bedding and feeding areas and the travel paths that lead to and from these spots. The hope here is that the doe will simply lead the buck right to you. It’s important to note that there are some drawbacks to this strategy. For one, does usually hang in groups. This means more eyes and more noses to spot or smell the hunter. Therefore you must be very cautious about how you enter and exit your stands in such spots, and make sure your stand site is situated where does traveling with or without bucks, do not spot or smell you. The stand site must be both “wind friendly” – in a position so the wind blows your scent away from any approaching or passing deer, and “sight friendly” – in a spot where deer can not detect your movement or presence.
Finally, make sure you pack food and water, and dress well for this event. This is no time to be hunting only the first few hours of the morning and the last hour or so of the day. It is best to hunt ALL DAY during the rut. In fact, you’re most apt to encounter Mr. Big without a doe during the mid day, as he anxiously trolls from one doe spot to another in search of a new girlfriend. Having a full tummy and being properly dressed enables you to be there when this happens!