| Big Game Hunting > Deer Hunting |
| The Rut |
| (1/2) > >> |
| littletoes:
Alright, here we go. A bit controversial, but if you think about it, you may just come around. I think some of the books, and biologists have been lying to us. Many of us have been led to believe the Rut happens around Novenber 15, and many rifle hunters don't argue, mostly because "most" are not as hard core as bow hunters. Most bow hunters practice quite a bit more with thier weapon of choice, they study their prey more, ect. ect. Now, I don't think this fully aplies to ALL rifle hunters, heck I'm strickly a rifle hunter, so I guess that eliminates the "prejudice" part for me. When do 'I' think the Rut happens? Oh, about a Month after they say it does, or at least a couple of weeks! Why? Well look, would you give the most efficient killers in this state the chance to kill the most deer especially if the deer are 'crazy' and not paying attention? For me personally I see the deer acting more like the books describe a couple of weeks after rifle season closes. Chasing does mroe intently. How 'bout you? Now, with thinking like this in mind, how would you change your hunting tactics? I always hear bow-hunters saying how they "wish they could hunt the rut...", well, I think you have been, you just didn't "pay-attention". Not trying to get your blood boiling, just trying to get you to think about what you have seen on past hunts. Now heres a thought...I was thinking this out loud to a biologist, and he was the one that come back with "would you give the most efficient killers in this state the chance to kill the most deer? Hell no..." Managing deer also means managing money, and money is what it takes to pay the bills. No deer, No money. |
| boneaddict:
Here is what I think as a biologist.......OK, a Microbiologist. ;) There are two Mule deer ruts first of all, with a lull in between. In Washington, the first stars about the 5th of November, earlier if you are up high in the mountains, it can start there as early as late OCtober or the regular season. (bythe way, I'm not counting necks swelling etc...I'm talking breeding action) This rut peaks somewhere between the 15th of November declining towards Thanksgiving time, then dies off for a week or two and then fires up again in December to a lesser degree, about the tweener time of the first and second week of December. It is usually done by Christmas, and the first antlers are already starting to hit the ground. If I wanted to hunt Mule deer for one week of the year, it would be between Nov 14-21. |
| WDFW-SUX:
Deer it would be between Nov 14-21. :tup: Elk it would be between Sep 22-Oct 1st :tup: |
| littletoes:
Good feedback all! ;) I've heard elk bugle in this area about a week earlier than what you've posted, depending on the year. Anyone else??? folks is just sooo scared to give feedback! :tung: |
| boneaddict:
One of the best bugling days I have had is September 12th(three years in a row). The boys are gathering cows then and proving who has the stuff. |
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