NE late rifle 11th-16th and buck behavior.

[Billy74]

I was planning on heading back into 105 for the late hunt because thats where Ive seen the most does but wondering will bucks start to be looking for ladies that early? Having only seen 1 spike when I was there in Oct i was hoping colder weather or pre rut activity might put more bucks on the move there.  I wish I could hunt the last days of the season but stuck with what I got.  I was hoping anyone who hunts 105 might have insight into what bucks are doing then and there.  Would rattling or grunting have a place at this time?


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[Seabass]

That might be the best 5 days of the whole season. You should have fun.

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

Rattling and grunting will help attract some bucks. Try to set up down wind of known doe bedding areas by at least 100 yards. Find those less traveled trails that intersect the more beat up trails and set up up hill and down wind. Or stand hunt. Could be real good that time of year as bucks are possibly cruising for does and scent checking or moving from first to second doe. When calling and rattlin try to create a scene whether it’s a fight scene or just a couple bucks lightly sparring. Raking and stomping the ground all help to round out the real ness

[vandeman17]

we are usually up in NE corner around those dates hunting whitetails. Our strategy is simple but effective. Find a spot where the deer are traveling, find a spot that you can get a little bit of a view and sit there ALL day. I was talking to a buddy the other day and was racking my brain about our hunts over the years and I can't recall the last tag we filled in the first hour or last hour of light. Plenty of deer have hit the dirt between 10-2 which helps us just sit and be patient. It may not be the most exciting way to hunt but has given us our best odds over the years. Good luck

[buckfvr]

Thats how you get them.  Patience is your tool.

[Billy74]

I really appreciate everyone’s positive input.  As a newish hunter hearing that boosts confidence and can mean the difference between staying out till dark or second guessing myself  and packing up early.  I feel like that’s where I’m at.  I’ve learned a lot these past few years and just need a win.  Again, really appreciate everyone’s advice,  thanks a ton.


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[Mossy]

I really appreciate everyone’s positive input.  As a newish hunter hearing that boosts confidence and can mean the difference between staying out till dark or second guessing myself  and packing up early.  I feel like that’s where I’m at.  I’ve learned a lot these past few years and just need a win.  Again, really appreciate everyone’s advice,  thanks a ton.


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We all second guess ourselves; especially when you hear from guys that get it done every year like clockwork. The more time you spend in the woods, the better your odds.

[tgomez]

No rattling today, but I did periodically use a Primos "The Can" bleat call. I saw two bucks today, one was a tall 3x3 whitetail and a small 2x2 I eneded up shooting at 340 yards. This was unit 105 Kelly Hill, and the small buck I harvested was definitely rutting. He stunk, and it's definitely getting into rutting activity up in the Norteast corner.

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

No rattling today, but I did periodically use a Primos "The Can" bleat call. I saw two bucks today, one was a tall 3x3 whitetail and a small 2x2 I eneded up shooting at 340 yards. This was unit 105 Kelly Hill, and the small buck I harvested was definitely rutting. He stunk, and it's definitely getting into rutting activity up in the Norteast corner.

Nice job on your harvest! Way to stick it out in the wet weather.

[boneaddict]

Congrats on the buck! That’s what I am seeing as well.

[buckcanyonlodge]

Mulies rutting like crazy here but the whitetails not so...I have about 15 whitetail does around and a couple small bucks and no sniffing..no chasing..no lip curling...YET

[chukarchaser]

the 14thru the 19th have always been the best for us with the later being the better.  I totally agree with the 10-2 statement,  We have done really well then.

[Aeron]

Once you start to feel like packing up...THAT's the time to sit.  Recognize that, and consciously say to yourself that you need to sit another hour or two - at least. 
Also, the 10th-15th are going to be busy days in the woods.  Everyone makes a long weekend out of the veterans day holiday.  All the more reason to sit and let someone else push them towards you. 
Over here in Idaho, not seeing any rutting activity by the whitetails - yet.  Seeing more bucks on the cams, but no rut behavior yet.  Any time now though, any time.

[vandeman17]

Once you start to feel like packing up...THAT's the time to sit.  Recognize that, and consciously say to yourself that you need to sit another hour or two - at least. 
Also, the 10th-15th are going to be busy days in the woods.  Everyone makes a long weekend out of the veterans day holiday.  All the more reason to sit and let someone else push them towards you. 
Over here in Idaho, not seeing any rutting activity by the whitetails - yet.  Seeing more bucks on the cams, but no rut behavior yet.  Any time now though, any time.

Agreed on the sitting part. All it takes is a minute for things to go from “man this is boring” to “wow that happened fast” and a notched tag. I also agree with the timing of Veterans Day as we do this each year for our few days of Washington deer hunting. Would prefer to hunt last few days of season but that is when we are loading up to head to Montana.

[tgomez]

Rutnbuxnbulls= Thank you,, it was a wet day. It was well worth the effort and fun as always.

Bonneaddict= Appreciate the congratulations good sir. I did see a few small scrapes, and one rub as well. This little fellas tarsals were ripe!🤢