Mule Deer Rut

[RB]

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?

[JakeLand]

Last week of October for blacktails here

[RB]

Last week of October for blacktails here

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

[luteai]

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.

[RB]

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.

[fishnfur]

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

[RB]

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!