Trailing hard today

[boneaddict]

A majority were trailing hard.   That means break is about to happen.

[outdooraddict]

I was looking for whitetails today. Small bucks were moving. Big boys are holding out a few more days i think. I think this weekend and mon tue will be doing pretty good

[boneaddict]

Yes, this is in regards to muleys

[Bango skank]

I was looking for whitetails today. Small bucks were moving. Big boys are holding out a few more days i think. I think this weekend and mon tue will be doing pretty good

Yup, young bucks acting squirrely and harrassing does, big bucks still moving at night, thats what im seeing and its s.o.p.  Any day now it should be go time, the big boys will start slipping up.

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

What “break” is about to happen?  I’m hunting the late archery opener targeting mule deer buck. Any information on their rut timing and tactics would be great. I’m used to whitetail sitting in a stand and thought this year I’d like to shake it up. Openers 11/20 SE

[boneaddict]

First estrous is about covered.  Bucks go into a searching mode.  Running from one spot to another.  They basically take a break for a bit until 2nd estrous.  Many will chime in here and say rut is over.   It’s not over, but the bucks take a break, then it starts all over usually about Thanksgiving.  Bucks will really be moving the next day or so. Then it will slow for a bit.  The old warriors can take a nap, and the doe can regroup.  Then for the most part they will be chasing those young hot things .

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

Darn it so it sounds like I might be hunting between estrous cycles.  11/20-11/22 is what I had planned (and took off for work).  Oh well, maybe I'll get lucky and have a bruiser strut by.

[boneaddict]

Its not an on or off thing, just a waning of activity

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

Thanks for the intel and for all the salivating pics! Wish it was fall all year long....

[boneaddict]

You bet!  Good luck with your hunt

[DeerSkin]

This young buck was having a good time yesterday afternoon!

[Grizman]

Right on Bone.  I live in 111 and it has been fairly quiet..  I'm out every day looking around.
Today, much more movement and chasing around tracks in the snow.  Got a good picture of a 4 point broad daylight!

[OutHouse]

First estrous is about covered.  Bucks go into a searching mode.  Running from one spot to another.  They basically take a break for a bit until 2nd estrous.  Many will chime in here and say rut is over.   It’s not over, but the bucks take a break, then it starts all over usually about Thanksgiving.  Bucks will really be moving the next day or so. Then it will slow for a bit.  The old warriors can take a nap, and the doe can regroup.  Then for the most part they will be chasing those young hot things .

I haven't studied it but I had no idea there were two cycles to the rut. Very interesting and valuable information if I ever get to hunt in November. Thanks for sharing and for sharing your recent pictures. Seeing some of them made me think you could bag a nasty any year during modern but I recall a past thread where I recall you indicated that you weren't hunting for the sake of the herds. Is that still the case or am I mistaken?

[Sandberm]

First estrous is about covered.  Bucks go into a searching mode.  Running from one spot to another.  They basically take a break for a bit until 2nd estrous.  Many will chime in here and say rut is over.   It’s not over, but the bucks take a break, then it starts all over usually about Thanksgiving.  Bucks will really be moving the next day or so. Then it will slow for a bit.  The old warriors can take a nap, and the doe can regroup.  Then for the most part they will be chasing those young hot things .

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Those of us who got into hunting deer late in life appreciate these nuggets of info.