Rut Dates - this should be interesting

[JackSparrow]

I don't want to start any arguments here, I've just got a simple (but likely debatable) question to ask, spurred by a discussion I had with a rather stubborn (and intoxicated) individual tonight.

When, in your opinion, does the "peak of the rut" start? In other words, when is the "best" time to hunt for big bucks (or hunt in general for whatever your trophy is) in your opinion or experience.

Let me clarify my question above. Being that the "seeking and chasing" time of bucks is generally considered the best time to hunt for trophy bucks (please correct me if you disagree), then when do you consider this particular time (the "seeking and chasing" time) to be?

I don't want this to become a massive argument thread, so please respect each other's opinions and keep it civil (unlike the conversation I had tonight).

If you've got any anecdotal backing to your vote, please post it. If you've got any scientific backing to your vote, please post that and any corresponding links as well.

I'm simply curious what the consensus of the hunters here is compared to what I've read in studies, heard in stories, and experienced myself. My own backing will stay hidden so as to not contaminate this poll. I'll do my best to keep from pointing out any theories that I have to keep this poll at least somewhat scientific.

Thanks in advance for the participation, and for keeping it civil. This should have some interesting results and some interesting ideas behind it.

[Dor]

Generally speaking-

seeking 10-26ish to 11-3ish
chasing 11-4ish to11-11ish
breeding 11-12ish to 11-19ish

Give or take 3 to 5 days depending on the year/state and other factors.

[Dor]

Peak meaning most breeding being done I assume.

[Grassbag251]

I would say it varies year to year. The past two years it has been earlier that usual it seems. With the changes made to the 3A season we have seen a noticeable increase in hunting preasure during the first part of November. With that said, it is quite obvious the deer turn almost completely nocturnal so it's been hard to see true reflection on what stage the rut is at.

[Grasshopper]

With the changes made to the 3A season we have seen a noticeable increase in hunting preasure during the first part of November. With that said, it is quite obvious the deer turn almost completely nocturnal so it's been hard to see true reflection on what stage the rut is at.

I agree. Here in MN we rarely get to see the rut "play out" in normal fashion like it does in places without heavy gun pressure during early- to mid-November. I believe the dates are much the same from year to year, and deer are obviously going to breed with or without the gun season. But what hunters get to witness is affected.

That said, I largely agree with the timing DOR laid out. In my experience its within a couple of days of these dates, give or take.

[Grassbag251]

interesting article on the matter,

http://www.imbmonsterbucks.com/info.php?id=180

[cowboy bowhunter]

It start heating up when the orange army hits the woods. I normaly see them getting going the last week before gun season. Last year the small bucks were chasing hardcore 2 days before gun season.

[Dor]

I will say this. If I had only hunted MN's horribly timed season my perception might be different, but having hunted many states that get it in regards to Gun hunt timing- I have been lucky enough to witness a lot of natural rut progression. Here in MN this is seldom seen.

[RidgeRunner]

I will say this. If I had only hunted MN's horribly timed season my perception might be different, but having hunted many states that get it in regards to Gun hunt timing- I have been lucky enough to witness a lot of natural rut progression. Here in MN this is seldom seen.

Couldn't agree more with this...

[cowboy bowhunter]

It start heating up when the orange army hits the woods. I normaly see them getting going the last week before gun season. Last year the small bucks were chasing hardcore 2 days before gun season.

I forgot to mention i did see some nice bucks 1st weekend of gun season but i think they were pushed by the orange army. Nothing like seeing a nice 10 point buck at 150 yards and your holding your weapon of choice. A hoyt bow.

[Northeastwibowhunter]

I honestly think that no matter where you are in the country it all depends on a number of variables and changes year to year. You have things like weather, moon phase, hunting pressure and numerous other factors that can play in. If someone could predict when the best time to be in the woods is each year then it wouldn't be hunting. Thats all part of it. But when it all comes together and you are standing over your trophy and the backstraps are in the frying pan, it makes u appreciate how everything had to work out in your favor for that to happen. IMO of course

[Schultzy]

I'm not a fan of the breeding part of the rut. Reason being the buck I'm hunting could be anywhere and most likely he could be In someone elses woods. My favorite time of the rut to hunt Is right before the breeding stage. The time when they are checking scrapes very heavily.

As for your question Jack I'd say most of the breeding really gets In full swing around the 12th of November. To me It's the same dates ever year. Temps to me play more of a role on whether you see It done during the day Instead of at night when the temps are cooler If It were too warm during the day. Mature buck numbers play a huge role In the rut activity as well.

[ridgerunners]

Dor's dates look about right to me, obviously he knows what he's doing..

Personally I think the best time to kill a buck is right after the first does have been bred, Nov 5th - 15th.. During the lockdown it can feel like your the only thing in the woods for a day or 2 but after the bucks break off that 1st doe it can be crazy. I have seen the most bucks, many i never new existed, during this period. Like others have mentioned though, if you have a specific deer in mind, you may want to hunt more of the prerut and try to catch him before leaves home.

[JackSparrow]

Interesting, the vast majority of the results were based from the last week of October to the middle of November. Yet no one really figured that it could vary year-to-year between those three weeks.

[Dor]

Generally speaking-

seeking 10-26ish to 11-3ish
chasing 11-4ish to11-11ish
breeding 11-12ish to 11-19ish

Give or take 3 to 5 days depending on the year/state and other factors.

As stated before.