Where oh where is the rut?

[crowinghen]

 I don't want to sound like a whiner, this is a legitimate question. But keep in mind this is my fourteenth day in a row hunting.
I am trying to get a good buck with my blacktail raffle tag. We started out hunting Kapowsin timberland . we saw a ton of does and were just seeing some rubs when we had to quit hunting there due to it being closed through elk season. Saw just one two point there,  observed no rut type activity.
 Then we hit Mason county. Just more grtouips of does, no bucks with them. Just a few rubs, nothing major.
 So now we have been here in the West klickitat unit since Monday. This is what we have seen here. Tons of does. We watched 10 of them this morning. No bucks.
We have seen one two point chasing a doe. He just ignored the other doe that was with her. We returned to that spot and there were no does to be found, but 2 small two points crossing the road in the middle of the day. Saw one more small bhuck chasing a doe in town. That is the entire rut activity we have seen in these last two weeks. We have been hunting hard too. Probably seen more than 150 does in that time.
 We have seen bucks in the middle of the day on roads or private property. We have seen does every night no bucks.

Sorry to be so long winded but my question is:

where is the rut?


 I know you guys don't owe me any love but serious non critical replies would sincerely be appreciated!
Thanks,  crowinghen

[bobcat]

I think it's winding down. I bet 99% of the does have already been bred. But that doesn't mean the big bucks aren't out looking for more receptive does. I don't really know what to tell you other than keep trying and if you're seeing does you should eventually see a buck. Also, have you tried rattling? Seems that should be pretty effective right now.

[Curly]

Just don't get too discouraged.  Blacktail hunting can be very frustrating.

[bankwalker]

If you aren't seeing bucks right now I would definitely try rsttling. Yea you may spook bucks away...but if you already aren't seeing them what's to lose?

Right now would be a good time to rattle though. With most does being bread already and bucks still interested in the few remaining does ready to breed....those bucks should be fairly aggressive

[3nails]

Right now I believe the mature bucks are holding down does in the thick stuff. Like bobcat said also, the breeding portion should be winding down soon. Look for them to become more visible this next week as they search high and low for a hot doe.

[270Shooter]

Don't give up on the west klick. Have you hunted closer to the klickitat?

[billythekidrock]

Right now I believe the mature bucks are holding down does in the thick stuff. Like bobcat said also, the breeding portion should be winding down soon. Look for them to become more visible this next week as they search high and low for a hot doe.

 

[crowinghen]

Thanks for the posts!
Why do you suppose we are seeing so many does? We watched 10 does this morning in one clearcut.
We don't have any rattlers with us, but do have the doe bleat can. We have our place here until Saturday then have to head home.
I guess I thought we would hit the rut somewhere and that is a bit disappointing. Still hoping to get a good first deer though!

Thanks again!

[Wingin it]

Persistence usually pays off. Keep at it and get that big buck you seek! Good luck!

[shanevg]

Just because the rut is going doesn't mean the big boys will be just standing in the open. Big blacktails are always hard to find, even during the rut. Keep hunting hard and look for does. When you find one in heat, there will be a buck nearby.

Good luck!  Hope you can find Mr. Big!

[dfresh96]

good luck & stay at it

[Skyvalhunter]

Just because the rut is going doesn't mean the big boys will be just standing in the open. Big blacktails are always hard to find, even during the rut. Keep hunting hard and look for does. When you find one in heat, there will be a buck nearby.

Good luck!  Hope you can find Mr. Big!

How do you find the doe in heat by sniffing her?

[MountainTracker]

Just because the rut is going doesn't mean the big boys will be just standing in the open. Big blacktails are always hard to find, even during the rut. Keep hunting hard and look for does. When you find one in heat, there will be a buck nearby.

Good luck!  Hope you can find Mr. Big!

How do you find the doe in heat by sniffing her?

   Look for the doe with her tail sticking straight out, parallel with her back, that's a good sign.

[bolsen]

Just saw a dandy 4x3 blacktail with 2 does, rutting hard!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

The old doe that likes to hang around my house still has her fawns with her, one is a little spike.
Have not noticed any other bucks with them (2 does, 3 fawns)
Usually get a visit from several bucks between Halloween and Christmas, but none yet...