Seeing more activity last few days of the season, is that because more does are in cycle or less does are in cycle and the bucks are roaming more looking for love while they have their rut on ?
When I hunted late whitetail in 101 late archery for over 20 years, we typically had our best hunting and most success from the opener nov. 10th through the 15th with the majority of our kills the 13th and 14th. Late rifle in 121 usually produces the same way. I always have opportunity before the 19th and thats why I dropped multiseason because I never experienced better late archery in 121 than what I did late modern. Never.
Not sure if north or south parts of NE may effect rut.
My observation is about the same as yours.
Not saying it's the same every year,but the last four day of modern.
Is a hot spot for me. I'm talking doe in active heat,with buck that is glued to her backside.
Of course like mentioned ,that's only doe that are active heat,some are,some not.
Some public land,doe are more jumpy and skittish than the bucks.
So you might only see there backside taking off to some private land. They may be rutting,or not. Unless that doe stands around for a minute. You never really know. And sometimes rut will work against you in this situation. If that doe runs off to the next county,so does that buck.
Another noticeable is,that doe that has yearling in tow or nearby are always the most jumpy and skittish.
Mostly from predators all year long I believe.
Always sounding the alarm,making a lot noise on the escape.
Generally not good for any hunt.
