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Author Topic: Mule Deer Rut  (Read 5636 times)

Offline RB

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Mule Deer Rut
« on: October 03, 2016, 06:10:16 PM »
Just curious when Mule Deer start the rut. On the west side Blacktail usually start around the first week of November from the ones I have seen during Elk season. I presume Mule are about the same time frame, but does it rely on moon phase or freezing?
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Offline JakeLand

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Re: Mule Deer Rut
« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2016, 06:13:53 PM »
Last week of October for blacktails here

Offline RB

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Re: Mule Deer Rut
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2016, 06:16:58 PM »
Last week of October for blacktails here


Yeah have seen that too but usually more activity after modern rifle closes
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Offline luteai

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Re: Mule Deer Rut
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2016, 08:26:54 PM »
Mulies usually rut during late season where I hunt. That's why it's whitetail only. Dumbest critter on earth is a rutting mule deer! I've had 'em walk right by me in mid day. Could have knifed a couple of 'em.
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Offline RB

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Re: Mule Deer Rut
« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2016, 09:06:30 PM »
Mulies usually rut during late season where I hunt. That's why it's whitetail only. Dumbest critter on earth is a rutting mule deer! I've had 'em walk right by me in mid day. Could have knifed a couple of 'em.


Yeah Blacktails can be similar had one in my yard a couple years ago all googly eyed for a Doe in the yard and he walked by about 20 feet from me.
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Offline fishnfur

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Re: Mule Deer Rut
« Reply #5 on: October 03, 2016, 09:25:41 PM »
Google it - a thousand answers, many of which are based on zero facts. 

It appears from a quick review of several articles that based on an average 202 day gestation in utero, and a peak birthing date occurring around the first of June, the peak of the rut is between 11 - 17 Nov.  Not surprisingly, the Mule Deer's close cousin, the Blacktail has almost identical rut periods.  A certain percentage of Blacktail and Mule Deer does (females) both begin their first estrous period somewhere in mid-October, so you may see rutting behavior by a few bucks anytime after that.  Bonus - Many times that first breeding is unsuccessful, which results in a second estrous cycle right at the peak of the rut = more hot does.

The 202 day gestation came from this article.  (BT have a 203 average gestation period).  http://helenair.com/lifestyles/recreation/mule-deer-rut-sooner-than-you-think/article_7cdc95e3-511f-5912-a506-2384febf4887.html
« Last Edit: October 03, 2016, 09:36:29 PM by fishnfur »
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Offline RB

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Re: Mule Deer Rut
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2016, 10:09:09 PM »
Google it - a thousand answers, many of which are based on zero facts. 

It appears from a quick review of several articles that based on an average 202 day gestation in utero, and a peak birthing date occurring around the first of June, the peak of the rut is between 11 - 17 Nov.  Not surprisingly, the Mule Deer's close cousin, the Blacktail has almost identical rut periods.  A certain percentage of Blacktail and Mule Deer does (females) both begin their first estrous period somewhere in mid-October, so you may see rutting behavior by a few bucks anytime after that.  Bonus - Many times that first breeding is unsuccessful, which results in a second estrous cycle right at the peak of the rut = more hot does.

The 202 day gestation came from this article.  (BT have a 203 average gestation period).  http://helenair.com/lifestyles/recreation/mule-deer-rut-sooner-than-you-think/article_7cdc95e3-511f-5912-a506-2384febf4887.html



Awesome thanks!  :tup:
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