Saw 25+ does today. No bucks. Is blacktail rut over?

[eddyr]

Hey all, first time hunting late season. I was going into it thinking that this should be great because deer should be rutting right now, but I haven't seen a single buck today after spending whole day in the woods. I did see 25+ does, which to me seems a little crazy, usually I would say it's a good day if I see 5 deer total in a day, so it seems like does are out more or just don't care after general season is over. But where are the bucks? Are they just running around from doe to doe and I just miss them all or what's happening here? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

[jason stevens]

I saw 5 does on my way to work with 2 bucks in the mix an yes there still rutting. My question is where are you hunting today thats even open? There's a few more days before the late blacktail riffle an muzzy open an a couple weeks before late bow.you might wanna check your dates. Just NY ooinion

[jason stevens]

My bad I just checked an today was the opener. My apologies sir. Normally it's later. Hunt the timber. An forgive me for the previous  post .

[eddyr]

I saw 5 does on my way to work with 2 bucks in the mix an yes there still rutting. My question is where are you hunting today thats even open? There's a few more days before the late blacktail riffle an muzzy open an a couple weeks before late bow.you might wanna check your dates. Just NY ooinion

GMU 660, late general buck season, November 13-16, any buck. I just double checked cuz you game me a scare haha all good tho.

[jason stevens]

Ya my bad, normally it's a 17th starter. Again my bad haha. But I'd stick to old growth timber an stay easy from the cuts. I think you'll have better odds. Good luck!!

[highside74]

Man if you are seeing that many does I'd probably to use on x or Google earth to pick a possible travel route for bucks in between the different groups of does. Bucks will be checking those does eventually.

[builtfordtough]

Seen 28 deer last 2 mornings and evening to and from work, backroads  Snohomish County. 5 bucks all rutting. Makes it for a fun commute

[dreadi]

Late modern season always starts two Thursdays before Thanksgiving and most of the deer I've brought home have been during the late modern season. Bad weather, good weather, stick it out. If you're seeing deer good. If you're seeing does moving, in my experience, the bucks will be coming along.


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[highside74]

If I saw 25 does in one day during late season I wouldn't leave that area. The bucks will be checking them for sure. That's why I was thinking if they were not far from each other I'd try to be somewhere in between. Bucks know where the different groups are and they will continue to check on each group or area until someone is hot to trot. Then all the boys will be by eventually.

[eddyr]

If I saw 25 does in one day during late season I wouldn't leave that area. The bucks will be checking them for sure. That's why I was thinking if they were not far from each other I'd try to be somewhere in between. Bucks know where the different groups are and they will continue to check on each group or area until someone is hot to trot. Then all the boys will be by eventually.

I do have a pretty decent spot between two groups of does. 8 does total. I'll spend whole day there, fingers crossed.

[Kingofthemountain83]

Yeah if you're seeing that many does I'd hunt there... Maybe try to get crosswind of the does and watch their down wind side... There are bucks around them somewhere... Good luck!

[craigapphunt]

Bucks were on the does in my area today for sure.

[brokentrail]

I think the advice to avoid clear cuts, unless you are hunting a masher, is probably not the best advice you could receive.  Hunting timber correctly is difficult for most.  Assuming the does you saw were in cuts, I would be looking for a saddle or a SMZ between a couple of the doe groups, as has been mentioned, and I would be sitting and watching it daylight until dark for the rest of the season.

[high_hunter]

Stay on those does!

[jstone]

A buck could be close but not visible