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Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: IslandHunter on October 08, 2024, 04:36:38 PM


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Title: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: IslandHunter on October 08, 2024, 04:36:38 PM
Someone had to start it.

Still early but I saw 2 Whidbey bucks sparring the other day.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: MADMAX on October 08, 2024, 05:12:16 PM
I’ve got a couple big yard deer they’re starting to work things over
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: freshgrease on October 08, 2024, 06:08:42 PM
These two have been going at it pretty frequently at this spot. This was the first night it started.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: redi on October 08, 2024, 07:37:26 PM
Found this new rub.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: FLIZZ on October 08, 2024, 09:52:26 PM
Honest to God I saw a dandy 110” inch-ish 3 point chasing a doe down the ditch this morning in Thurston county. She turned and crossed the road and he chased her across. That rain lastnight really got deer moving like crazy today.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on October 09, 2024, 08:00:31 AM
Good stuff everyone! This is the most exciting time of year!


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Pegasus on October 09, 2024, 08:58:13 AM
On Oct 5 had the first buck show up in a long time. Had a doe and and fawn with him, Fawn was trembling with fear and doe was "nervous". Nice mature 3 X 2. Lot of sniffing going on but no mounting yet. Won't be long.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: brew on October 09, 2024, 10:24:47 AM
I've got 6 different bucks hitting my feeder.  In the 3 weeks I've had it out I've only seen 2 antlerless deer.  One 2 pt and one 3 pt are always together and I get pics of the sparing.  Recently a different 3 pt showed up and shows dominance over the other bucks.  He doesn't spar with them as they keep their distance.  This also has recently showed up 20 yards from the feeder.  Stinks like urine also.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: ASHQUACK on October 09, 2024, 02:21:50 PM
I have 11 does and fawns around my feeder. A small 2 pt showed himself this morning around 330. My daily spike has disappeared.  It certainly won't be long. Hopefully the big dog shows himself soon. He's a mature 3x4 with outstanding eye guards.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 09, 2024, 02:56:01 PM
15 more days...
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on October 09, 2024, 06:12:48 PM
Haven’t seen any on camera yet, but they usually don’t show up till later this month. Just waiting for them to start cruising.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Bigshooter on October 12, 2024, 02:42:01 PM
Saw 2 little dink yard bucks fighting pretty good on 10/9 with a spike watching them.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on October 12, 2024, 03:10:01 PM
Got two bucks on cam the last couple of nights, so the shift is happening. Haven’t seen any rubs yet, but figure it’s only a matter of time till they start popping up. Didn’t hear a single gun today in my area, so either everyone switched to ML or the bucks were hiding well.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Platensek-po on October 12, 2024, 04:41:11 PM
Got two bucks on cam the last couple of nights, so the shift is happening. Haven’t seen any rubs yet, but figure it’s only a matter of time till they start popping up. Didn’t hear a single gun today in my area, so either everyone switched to ML or the bucks were hiding well.

Modern doesn’t open till tuesday
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Brushcrawler on October 12, 2024, 04:44:59 PM
Modern opened today.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Platensek-po on October 12, 2024, 05:06:38 PM
Modern opened today.

Damn must have looked at last years book! My bad
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BLH69 on October 12, 2024, 05:56:21 PM
red flag also would be tuesday opener for modern deer.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: scotsman on October 12, 2024, 08:38:28 PM

This guy was under our apple tree three weeks ago… haven’t seen him since then.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on October 12, 2024, 09:18:38 PM
I’d say he’s probably in a freezer, but with that rack I am guessing he knows the routine.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on October 12, 2024, 09:33:53 PM
Got two bucks on cam the last couple of nights, so the shift is happening. Haven’t seen any rubs yet, but figure it’s only a matter of time till they start popping up. Didn’t hear a single gun today in my area, so either everyone switched to ML or the bucks were hiding well.

Modern doesn’t open till tuesday

Modern has never opened on a Tuesday :chuckle:

Huntwa would be burning down with posts if they moved the opener to a Tuesday 🤣
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: PNWheckle on October 12, 2024, 10:17:34 PM
Had a nice forky trailing a doe this morning at 7:54, he circled back around 10 minutes later, lots of grunting as well


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: elkrack on October 17, 2024, 09:17:10 PM
This buck was doggin a doe hard this afternoon about 15 yards from our job site. Didn’t have a care in the world about the nail guns or saws. His neck is building!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: HntnFsh on October 18, 2024, 06:59:10 AM
This one was in the rut mode. Picture was Monday
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: elkrack on October 18, 2024, 07:24:41 AM
This one was in the rut mode. Picture was Monday

Look at the neck on him! Cool buck :tup:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 18, 2024, 07:27:13 AM
This one was in the rut mode. Picture was Monday

Why isn’t he dead, you don’t hunt?

I saw four Monday here up north, not one in rut mode. :dunno:

Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: IFunk on October 18, 2024, 09:32:15 AM
This one was in the rut mode. Picture was Monday

Nice basket!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on October 18, 2024, 10:02:27 AM
Sunday morning after this weather front, the bucks will be moving a lot!


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: IFunk on October 18, 2024, 11:33:55 AM
Sunday morning after this weather front, the bucks will be moving a lot!


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Makes me wish I wasn't going out of town and headed to the island instead!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Fidelk on October 18, 2024, 11:40:41 AM
Just had a 4-5" spike blacktail walk thru my yard.......wasn't eating, just sniffing. Maybe a little hopeful?
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: HntnFsh on October 18, 2024, 01:48:49 PM
The 3 points side kick 4x4
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: elksnout on October 18, 2024, 07:27:48 PM
Little 3point pushing two does hard up here before dark last night. Had his nose right up ones you know what…

elksnout
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Mulie87 on October 18, 2024, 09:35:10 PM
Headed up to Whidbey for the last weekend 24-27. Hoping the weather has them moving by then.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: PNWheckle on October 19, 2024, 07:45:48 AM
Yesterday was a good day to be in the woods, the weather had them moving in Capitol Forest. Saw 12 deer total in one afternoon, two were spikes probably just hanging out with their sister or mom , but there was a bigger buck hot on a does trail in the timber. This little guy isn’t going to last long sitting out in the open like this (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241019/6c85b10c0939959fc68de00881602b7a.jpg)


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: MeatMissile on October 20, 2024, 11:53:23 AM
Bucks are being real stupid around here.  I shot a buck on Friday that was with a doe.  Four buddies this weekend all shot bucks out in the middle of the day, hanging with does.  Mine stank and his neck was pretty swole.  This was in the capitol forest.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: JakeLand on October 20, 2024, 07:03:22 PM
High cascade blacktail that I shot on Saturday was with a group of Does , he was swollen but not stinky at all
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: elkrack on October 20, 2024, 07:11:56 PM
In puyallup my sister had a Boone and Crocker buck in her yard this morning. Absolute Masher!all swoll up with a couple doe’s
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Mulie87 on October 20, 2024, 07:18:38 PM
This is good to hear. Looking forward to Whidbey Island next weekend. Anybody up on the island have a report?
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on October 20, 2024, 07:39:22 PM
High cascade blacktail that I shot on Saturday was with a group of Does , he was swollen but not stinky at all
How high?


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: JakeLand on October 20, 2024, 07:48:23 PM
High cascade blacktail that I shot on Saturday was with a group of Does , he was swollen but not stinky at all
How high?


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5,100 roughly
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: redi on October 20, 2024, 07:49:58 PM
Had a buck chasing this morning and saw lots of rubs and one place where two went around and around.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Molon5labe on October 21, 2024, 08:18:35 AM
I dont understand why my experience seems to be the exact opposite of y'alls. I've only seen 3 doe in the last week. All solo. I've been afield quite a bit
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: hawks33 on October 21, 2024, 08:24:16 AM
This is good to hear. Looking forward to Whidbey Island next weekend. Anybody up on the island have a report?

There's been some activity here and there. It's usually best closer to Halloween. Most of what I've seen has been pre rut kind of activity. Definitely seen a couple pics from the island of swollen deer
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: JakeLand on October 21, 2024, 08:26:31 AM
I dont understand why my experience seems to be the exact opposite of y'alls. I've only seen 3 doe in the last week. All solo. I've been afield quite a bit
Saturday I seen close to 20 does solo or in small groups with no bucks , just this buck had 6 Does and 2 yearlings bedded all around him in the nastiest perfect blacktail weather
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Molon5labe on October 21, 2024, 09:07:23 AM
I dont understand why my experience seems to be the exact opposite of y'alls. I've only seen 3 doe in the last week. All solo. I've been afield quite a bit
Saturday I seen close to 20 does solo or in small groups with no bucks , just this buck had 6 Does and 2 yearlings bedded all around him in the nastiest perfect blacktail weather

I've probably never seen anywhere near 20 does TOTAL in a single season. Where the hell you hunting? Lol
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: dilleytech on October 21, 2024, 09:32:05 AM
I dont understand why my experience seems to be the exact opposite of y'alls. I've only seen 3 doe in the last week. All solo. I've been afield quite a bit

Better hunters or better spots.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Platensek-po on October 21, 2024, 09:34:41 AM
Went out with my son and we hiked about 8 miles. Saw 8 does all in pairs. Pretty sure we bumped a buck on the edge of the reprod around 5:30pm. Was a good day overall. The bucks should start showing up soon.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 21, 2024, 09:37:40 AM
Some pre rut in West Kitsap / N Mason but not crazy yet.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: swanderek on October 21, 2024, 11:09:11 AM
Nothing around me yet.
(Arlington)
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Sundance on October 21, 2024, 11:10:47 AM
Had a good mature buck walk under my stand Saturday morning coming into the scent I had put out. I would have shot him, but I hadn't lifted my rifle up yet. Tough to watch him walk through while my gun was laying on the ground attached to my pull cord. Hope to reconnect with him in the coming days.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: HntnFsh on October 21, 2024, 12:37:34 PM
This little 2x3 was rutting last night. Made several attempts anyhow. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Pacific Ghost on October 21, 2024, 12:46:08 PM
Bucks are being real stupid around here.  I shot a buck on Friday that was with a doe.  Four buddies this weekend all shot bucks out in the middle of the day, hanging with does.  Mine stank and his neck was pretty swole.  This was in the capitol forest.

Hmmm, interesting. Our group, and another I know in a different area were all out in 663 this weekend as well, and it was as slow as can be.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: HntnFsh on October 21, 2024, 12:58:19 PM
Deer were moving like crazy Friday night and last night.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Pacific Ghost on October 21, 2024, 01:14:58 PM
Deer were moving like crazy Friday night and last night.

And by "night" do you mean in the dark on trail cams or the last hour or two of daylight?
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: WSU on October 21, 2024, 01:17:05 PM
Saw deer the last 3 or 4 hours of daylight yesterday, including a few bucks.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: HntnFsh on October 21, 2024, 03:39:32 PM
Deer were moving like crazy Friday night and last night.

And by "night" do you mean in the dark on trail cams or the last hour or two of daylight?

2 to 3 hours before dark. I think the blustery weather played a big part.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: actionshooter on October 21, 2024, 08:33:02 PM
Bucks are being real stupid around here.  I shot a buck on Friday that was with a doe.  Four buddies this weekend all shot bucks out in the middle of the day, hanging with does.  Mine stank and his neck was pretty swole.  This was in the capitol forest.

Hmmm, interesting. Our group, and another I know in a different area were all out in 663 this weekend as well, and it was as slow as can be.

 Yep, our experience at the peak also.... looking hard and it's been slow, several doe with nothing trailing except one little guy I wasn't willing to fill my tag on...
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on October 24, 2024, 10:04:55 AM
Just saw a forky hard on the tail of two does going through the neighborhood. Planning to hit the woods Sunday through Halloween!


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: mboyle0828 on October 24, 2024, 11:14:59 AM
Anyone seeing activity in 627 Kitsap? Bucks I’ve seen on cam are still nocturnal.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Molon5labe on October 24, 2024, 11:43:27 AM
Finally saw some rut activity. A tiny little spike chasing a doe all over
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 10thmountainarcher on October 24, 2024, 12:58:35 PM
A couple three points out cruising about 8:00 AM this morning in the Buckley Area. They were in separate areas and noses were in the air.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Borol_Bandit on October 24, 2024, 07:45:57 PM
I’ve been working down in weyco land just outside of Mist Oregon this week and this morning I had a doe walk out of the dog hair hemlock at 40 yards and I stopped and idled the excavator and about 10 seconds later a huge bodied two point was sniffing the ground following her and I was yelling to get him to stop so I could snap a pic and he didn’t look up at me once. Rut is on
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Sundance on October 24, 2024, 09:03:44 PM
Had a good mature buck pass one of my cameras at 930 this morning, I was 30 minutes away so I’ll try him tomorrow. Bumped a big 4 in an alder thicket at noon today, didn’t get a shot. Followed a doe for an hour hoping she’d pick up a lover, watched her squat with her back legs together and pee all over her legs, she’s getting ready. Found a brawl site that was a day or so old, boys are getting fired up in the woods.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 25, 2024, 05:35:45 AM
Deer were on their feet yesterday late morning around 9-10 . Shot a mature buck right at 10 am with a group of deer, neck pretty swole, but not stinkin yet. Saw several does including some lone does unattended and 2 young bucks as well. Small fresh rubs all over the area, and new rubs have been showing up daily.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: birdshooter1189 on October 25, 2024, 06:52:31 AM
Anyone seeing activity in 627 Kitsap? Bucks I’ve seen on cam are still nocturnal.

I'm in kitsap and have a couple running around my property. Mostly nocturnal but I've had bucks show up on my game cams 2 or 3 times during daylight in the last week.  One of them was at 5:30 last night.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: mboyle0828 on October 25, 2024, 10:23:22 AM
Anyone seeing activity in 627 Kitsap? Bucks I’ve seen on cam are still nocturnal.

I'm in kitsap and have a couple running around my property. Mostly nocturnal but I've had bucks show up on my game cams 2 or 3 times during daylight in the last week.  One of them was at 5:30 last night.

Thanks. Should be ramping up here soon then!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: WSU on October 25, 2024, 11:30:14 AM
Rutting in Olympia.  I saw a buck this morning in the neighborhood and my friend sent me a photo of a 3 point that walked through his logging site with other things on his mind.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: cavemann on October 26, 2024, 11:19:58 AM
Bumped a doe going down clearcut timberline.  She went right and deer went left into thick blowing..  I thought I blew it out..  waited a bit and decided to sit for a bit..  I've never tried it but I hoped it was a buck..  blew a short couple doe calls.  Waited a few and blew a grunt..  Buck came walking out, nose to ground staring right at me.  Had me pinned with my head tilted down and doing everything I could to freeze and keep my eyes under my hat.  He was hot and curious, got to less then 10' in front of me.

I found out the hard way there is such a thing as too close!!  Tried to get a hold shot off once he finally busted me and wheeled around.  Decent 3pt big body.

Heading out now for some evening activity, will definitely be rattling

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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: dilleytech on October 27, 2024, 11:42:37 AM
Hunted Thursday and Friday, seen about 30-40 does not a single buck with any of them. Not a spike or anything. Seen two 2 points together alone.

Hunting the last 3 days this week. Should be a lot different story.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 27, 2024, 07:54:23 PM
Well we saw a 2 point today walking down a paved road without a care in the world except where the girls were, neck plenty swollen. The rut has reached the east Skagit valley.

Buddy of mine brother hit a 4x4 with eye guards yesterday that was all rutted up, it weighed 220 minus the guts.👍
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 27, 2024, 08:20:58 PM
Woods where pretty dead tonight
Wind and rain had them laid up tight.
Did see a forkie crossing the road just before the driveway though on our way home..:chuckle:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: swanderek on October 27, 2024, 08:41:19 PM
Starting to move around me
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 27, 2024, 08:58:29 PM
Hiked into a hole with the bro in law today, lots of deer movement this morning and  seen several doe pods with no bucks in tow. Had some rubs and sign in the area however so we had faith. Instead of packing in mid day we settled in for a sit and wait overlooking some country. About an hour later a stout slammer came through on the ridge we were perched on following the scent trail I laid down. One shot and his season was over. Buck was swollen, stinky, and runny glands. They are cruising hard.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: TeacherMan on October 27, 2024, 09:22:54 PM
Hiked into a hole with the bro in law today, lots of deer movement this morning and  seen several doe pods with no bucks in tow. Had some rubs and sign in the area however so we had faith. Instead of packing in mid day we settled in for a sit and wait overlooking some country. About an hour later a stout slammer came through on the ridge we were perched on following the scent trail I laid down. One shot and his season was over. Buck was swollen, stinky, and runny glands. They are cruising hard.

No pic!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 7mmfan on October 27, 2024, 09:48:51 PM
Saw one buck today. First time he followed does into the woods. 2nd time I saw him he did not get to follow them back into the woods. I guess the point is, I saw multiple groups of does in one clear cut this morning, and the mature buck was definitely checking them out and drawing him out into the open in the middle of the day. Shot him at 11:30am.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Taco280AI on October 28, 2024, 06:47:17 AM
A few days ago I saw a muley with his nose tight on a doe. Yesterday I saw a group of four bachelor bucks.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: JakeLand on October 28, 2024, 08:11:42 AM
Saw one buck today. First time he followed does into the woods. 2nd time I saw him he did not get to follow them back into the woods. I guess the point is, I saw multiple groups of does in one clear cut this morning, and the mature buck was definitely checking them out and drawing him out into the open in the middle of the day. Shot him at 11:30am.
and it’s a Dandy !!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: nwmein199 on October 28, 2024, 08:35:46 AM
Saw a very nice BT buck at 345pm yesterday chasing a doe across a busy road in Bonney Lake
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: bowNarrow on October 28, 2024, 09:09:30 AM
Seen this big guy yesterday sniffing around .
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: HntnFsh on October 28, 2024, 09:15:19 AM
Nice buck and picture!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Cylvertip on October 28, 2024, 10:20:03 AM
Had a big forky come strolliin in on the ladies feeding on my property yesterday evenjng.  Did not care one bit about me.  Came within  5 yards of me.  Did not care about the bon fire I lit later where he came by at 15 yards.  I ended up walking within 3 yards of him a bit after that.  Girls on the mind and they wanted nothing to do with him.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: elkboy on October 30, 2024, 09:18:08 PM
Bucks going crazy in our neighborhood here in western Oregon.  We have a big 5x5 that I keep running into while walking the dogs in the pre-dawn darkness or after dark.  He's been trailing the does, and running the younger suburban bucks off.  I just need to bump into his countryside brother this weekend out in the woods...
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on October 30, 2024, 09:54:11 PM
Spent a lot of time out in the woods the last two days. I have seen 4 or 5 forkies out running in the daylight. Two of them almost ran me over while I was sitting. I don’t think we have had the cold snap needed to get mature bucks running during daylight on Whidbey yet.

I’ll go out in the morning and then spend the evening with my family trick or treating .


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: bornhunter on October 31, 2024, 09:47:35 AM
Its like the rut just stopped where I am at. 10 days ago I was passing on small bucks and the last four days nothing. Not even any night photos with a bunch of does showing. Never seen this before.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: elkboy on October 31, 2024, 09:57:57 AM
Its like the rut just stopped where I am at. 10 days ago I was passing on small bucks and the last four days nothing. Not even any night photos with a bunch of does showing. Never seen this before.  :dunno:

Seems a bit early for them to be locking down with does.   I wonder what's behind your lack of observations.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 2MANY on October 31, 2024, 11:22:14 AM
Change in the weather.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on October 31, 2024, 11:29:55 AM
I've been sitting on a beautiful 6 year clearcut at 2000ft elevation since dawn. It has a timbered creek drainage along the bottom and timber at the top. Zero deer today. 2 does on the hike up in the dark. That's it so far. I haven't moved since 8am but I'm losing patience.

Side note the puffy pants make it a lot easier to sit and stay warm. Game changer.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: mboyle0828 on October 31, 2024, 01:18:45 PM
Has anyone had luck seeing bucks in the daylight during the late season (Nov 14-17)?

I’ve always wondered why it’s so short. Maybe it’s prime time?
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on October 31, 2024, 01:24:55 PM
Has anyone had luck seeing bucks in the daylight during the late season (Nov 14-17)?

I’ve always wondered why it’s so short. Maybe it’s prime time?

Other than the last few days of Oct this years late season is almost perfect as far as dates go.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 7mmfan on October 31, 2024, 01:29:46 PM
The rut ebbs and flows from about October 15 until it really kicks in around November 5-15. The bulk of the buck movement that we see in mid-Late October is pre-rut movement, looking for doe groups and bucks being drawn by a hot doe that has gone into early estrus in October. Daytime movement "should" increase as we get to the end of the month, but since the overwhelming majority of does aren't in estrus yet, that movement is still heavily dependent on things like pressure and weather. Cold/wet/windy weather generally keeps deer on their feet longer than warm pleasant weather. I promise, if today was 42 degrees and raining sideways, deer would be dropping like hot rocks.

To answer mboyle's question, the main event happens between about November 5-15 every year. There are does that come in sooner, and does that come in later, but that's when the vast majority are bred. The late buck season is short because it can be exceptionally productive. I read somewhere that often there are as many deer killed in those 4 days as there are in the entire general season. There's a few reasons for that.

- It's close enough to the main rut that there can still be numbers of hot does around, keeping bucks active.
- Bucks are rarely on lockdown at this point, they're cruising again looking for hot does, so they're visible.
- The understory has thinned significantly because of leaves dropping and storms knocking them down. You can simply see better than you could the month before.
- Weather is generally cool and rainy/windy, which is ideal weather for seeing Blacktail.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on October 31, 2024, 01:37:09 PM
The rut ebbs and flows from about October 15 until it really kicks in around November 5-15. The bulk of the buck movement that we see in mid-Late October is pre-rut movement, looking for doe groups and bucks being drawn by a hot doe that has gone into early estrus in October. Daytime movement "should" increase as we get to the end of the month, but since the overwhelming majority of does aren't in estrus yet, that movement is still heavily dependent on things like pressure and weather. Cold/wet/windy weather generally keeps deer on their feet longer than warm pleasant weather. I promise, if today was 42 degrees and raining sideways, deer would be dropping like hot rocks.

To answer mboyle's question, the main event happens between about November 5-15 every year. There are does that come in sooner, and does that come in later, but that's when the vast majority are bred. The late buck season is short because it can be exceptionally productive. I read somewhere that often there are as many deer killed in those 4 days as there are in the entire general season. There's a few reasons for that.

- It's close enough to the main rut that there can still be numbers of hot does around, keeping bucks active.
- Bucks are rarely on lockdown at this point, they're cruising again looking for hot does, so they're visible.
- The understory has thinned significantly because of leaves dropping and storms knocking them down. You can simply see better than you could the month before.
- Weather is generally cool and rainy/windy, which is ideal weather for seeing Blacktail.

Exactly what I said🫣
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on October 31, 2024, 01:39:36 PM
My view of the rut not happening😁

465 yards to the top timber. Logged between 2018 and 2020
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: mboyle0828 on October 31, 2024, 01:43:45 PM
Thank you both! I took the days off to sit in the blind.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: slavenoid on October 31, 2024, 01:55:17 PM
Rut seemed hotter a week or more ago in my area. Not seeing bucks locked on does like we typically see the last week of season. Family still managed to tag out so not complaining.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Buzzsaw461 on October 31, 2024, 02:24:08 PM
Has anyone had luck seeing bucks in the daylight during the late season (Nov 14-17)?

I’ve always wondered why it’s so short. Maybe it’s prime time?
Yep, have killed all my Big Blacktail Bucks during the late hunt. All different times of day.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on October 31, 2024, 04:31:44 PM
Talked to the logger boss on the way out. He said he was seeing bucks daily until last week. He hasn't seen a deer period in over a week. I did find 2 does and watched them for over 40 minutes. No buck showed up. I found a knob that had at least 10 fresh fir tree rubs on the lowest clearcut in the unit. The logger said he saw that buck a spindly 3 point everyday up until last week.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: swanderek on October 31, 2024, 05:00:48 PM
I've seen 6 different bucks chasing today. All small.
Starting in Arlington now
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on October 31, 2024, 06:28:06 PM
I was up hunting in Lewis and my 16yo shot a buck at our place. I drove home to help look. He jumped out of his bed 80 yards from where he was shot. He bedded 40 yards later. We tried to get a bullet in him but he jumped up again into some thicker stuff. We backed out until morning. He should be dead not far from last spot I hope.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 31, 2024, 07:10:38 PM
Good luck finding him highside!!! 

Not surprisingly my report is similar on action.

   

Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: actionshooter on October 31, 2024, 08:12:31 PM
 Saw a dozen doe the last 2 hours tonight and not a single buck....  another week or two
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: RobinHoodlum on October 31, 2024, 08:17:39 PM
One of my hunting partners tagged a nice 4x4 in Skagit on Sunday. Been seeing sign but no bucks until today. Total zombie mature buck cruised past me on abandoned grade up near Darrington. Would have been a chip shot with any firearm type if I hadnt already tagged out. The late season weather has been perfect IMO
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on October 31, 2024, 08:26:50 PM
I hope everyone had a good season. I was sitting out from dawn with no luck until a shift in the weather around 9:45 or 10. This got a mature Buck on his feet and I was able to tag him.

I have a multie season tag this year and I am kinda bummed I won’t be hunting late season or the second estrus in December.


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: bornhunter on October 31, 2024, 09:18:23 PM
Its like the rut just stopped where I am at. 10 days ago I was passing on small bucks and the last four days nothing. Not even any night photos with a bunch of does showing. Never seen this before.  :dunno:

Seems a bit early for them to be locking down with does.   I wonder what's behind your lack of observations.

Its sure different this year. I cant remember the last time I didnt get my buck the last few days of October. At least this way I get to look forward to late buck. 0
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: MADMAX on October 31, 2024, 09:30:55 PM
 :yeah:

I’ve been hitting Jefferson county public land
Not much seen and zero bucks the last week
More deer in my yard
Watched a spike chasing a doe all over my property yesterday

Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on October 31, 2024, 11:08:17 PM
At least in the area I hunt the bucks typically do not start really daylighting until
November. And, a lot of of BT die hards would choose the late season of you had to pick one. I believe right now is more of the pre rut action, the actual rut is November based on fawn dropping from what I can tell.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: lewy on October 31, 2024, 11:43:06 PM
If you’ve had a decline in buck sightings in the last week it’s more than likely that the first round of does in your area have come into estrus and the bucks are on em and not cruising like they were the previous week. Also I think people try and generalize things based on what they are seeing but forget that you are only seeing a very small percentage of what’s really going on around you :twocents:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Sundance on November 01, 2024, 07:12:03 AM
Heavy cruising the 20th through the 28th, lots of daylight pictures. Hunted all day the 29-31st, only saw spikes and 2’s, a few solo does also. Banking on the late rifle season next, strange year thus far for me. Ratting and doe/buck calls have not been as effective as years past. Using scents has been my best tactic.

PSA- if you’re hunting from a stand check your safety gear. Had a prusick knot on my lineman’s belt fail on the morning of the 23rd, fell 15 feet while climbing a tree. While laying on the ground a spike came up to check on me, very thoughtful of him
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Rob Allen on November 01, 2024, 08:23:00 AM
World's  worst hunter here ignorant about just about everything  but I hunted every chance I got mostly  glassing clearcut. Until yesterday, Halloween,  I saw exactly  0 deer in western WA during daylight hours. Yesterday  I saw 15 or so. One buck and it was  a tiny spike. In a 3 point + area. 0 evidence  of any rutting activity.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: dilleytech on November 01, 2024, 09:22:44 AM
The wife and I had a fun time hunting 4 days this last week we saw more deer then ever for us 50-60 deer.  6 bucks but not one buck had a 3rd point. Hunted the last day in an any buck unit but only saw does of course. Just seemed like around me the bucks weren’t hanging around the does yet. I’m sure some were that we just didn’t see. Learned a lot, and found some more elk spots even saw wolf tracks for the first time which sucked. Always a pleasure in the woods this time of year.

Oh well. Hunting whitetail in a couple weeks with the blues foothill west tag that I’m more excited about.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: IFunk on November 01, 2024, 09:44:41 AM
I hunted Whidbey from my stand on Tuesday using scent and didn't see any Blacktail.  I switched up my game on Wednesday and decided to play the crappy weather and still hunt through alder thickets, head high salal and nettles while tooting my Grunt-n-Bleat.  I thought for sure all the rain and wind was going to get something moving, but I saw nothing.   :dunno:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on November 01, 2024, 10:26:59 AM
I was up hunting in Lewis and my 16yo shot a buck at our place. I drove home to help look. He jumped out of his bed 80 yards from where he was shot. He bedded 40 yards later. We tried to get a bullet in him but he jumped up again into some thicker stuff. We backed out until morning. He should be dead not far from last spot I hope.

Gridded a mile in a 150 yard area this morning.  Wet chest high ferns made for a tough search. Unfortunately we weren't able to turn him up yet. My son is going to recruit some buddies for an afternoon search and we are going to expand out area.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on November 01, 2024, 06:07:51 PM
I was up hunting in Lewis and my 16yo shot a buck at our place. I drove home to help look. He jumped out of his bed 80 yards from where he was shot. He bedded 40 yards later. We tried to get a bullet in him but he jumped up again into some thicker stuff. We backed out until morning. He should be dead not far from last spot I hope.

Gridded a mile in a 150 yard area this morning.  Wet chest high ferns made for a tough search. Unfortunately we weren't able to turn him up yet. My son is going to recruit some buddies for an afternoon search and we are going to expand out area.

We found him after school with the help of friends just barely outside our search grid from the morning. I'll post pics in the 24 success thread.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: redi on November 01, 2024, 06:10:15 PM
Congratulations
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: wadu1 on November 01, 2024, 06:17:48 PM
Great news way to keep after it  :tup:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 85yota on November 01, 2024, 07:36:18 PM
World's  worst hunter here ignorant about just about everything  but I hunted every chance I got mostly  glassing clearcut. Until yesterday, Halloween,  I saw exactly  0 deer in western WA during daylight hours. Yesterday  I saw 15 or so. One buck and it was  a tiny spike. In a 3 point + area. 0 evidence  of any rutting activity.
Call me Ignorant but this is quicker than finding the regs, there's a 3 pt min blacktail unit?
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on November 01, 2024, 07:51:58 PM
World's  worst hunter here ignorant about just about everything  but I hunted every chance I got mostly  glassing clearcut. Until yesterday, Halloween,  I saw exactly  0 deer in western WA during daylight hours. Yesterday  I saw 15 or so. One buck and it was  a tiny spike. In a 3 point + area. 0 evidence  of any rutting activity.
Call me Ignorant but this is quicker than finding the regs, there's a 3 pt min blacktail unit?

Yes 578
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 7mmfan on November 01, 2024, 08:14:44 PM
I was up hunting in Lewis and my 16yo shot a buck at our place. I drove home to help look. He jumped out of his bed 80 yards from where he was shot. He bedded 40 yards later. We tried to get a bullet in him but he jumped up again into some thicker stuff. We backed out until morning. He should be dead not far from last spot I hope.

Gridded a mile in a 150 yard area this morning.  Wet chest high ferns made for a tough search. Unfortunately we weren't able to turn him up yet. My son is going to recruit some buddies for an afternoon search and we are going to expand out area.

We found him after school with the help of friends just barely outside our search grid from the morning. I'll post pics in the 24 success thread.

 :tup:  :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 01, 2024, 08:19:22 PM
World's  worst hunter here ignorant about just about everything  but I hunted every chance I got mostly  glassing clearcut. Until yesterday, Halloween,  I saw exactly  0 deer in western WA during daylight hours. Yesterday  I saw 15 or so. One buck and it was  a tiny spike. In a 3 point + area. 0 evidence  of any rutting activity.
Call me Ignorant but this is quicker than finding the regs, there's a 3 pt min blacktail unit?

Yes 578

Bench leggers, not true blacktails.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 85yota on November 01, 2024, 08:28:12 PM
World's  worst hunter here ignorant about just about everything  but I hunted every chance I got mostly  glassing clearcut. Until yesterday, Halloween,  I saw exactly  0 deer in western WA during daylight hours. Yesterday  I saw 15 or so. One buck and it was  a tiny spike. In a 3 point + area. 0 evidence  of any rutting activity.
Call me Ignorant but this is quicker than finding the regs, there's a 3 pt min blacktail unit?

Yes 578

Bench leggers, not true blacktails.

Ahh, ok makes sense, there's a lot of bench bucks not in 3 point min, never seen that for blacktails but that makes sense.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: dilleytech on November 02, 2024, 09:47:39 AM
World's  worst hunter here ignorant about just about everything  but I hunted every chance I got mostly  glassing clearcut. Until yesterday, Halloween,  I saw exactly  0 deer in western WA during daylight hours. Yesterday  I saw 15 or so. One buck and it was  a tiny spike. In a 3 point + area. 0 evidence  of any rutting activity.
Call me Ignorant but this is quicker than finding the regs, there's a 3 pt min blacktail unit?

Yes 578

Bench leggers, not true blacktails.

Ahh, ok makes sense, there's a lot of bench bucks not in 3 point min, never seen that for blacktails but that makes sense.

Basically every unit that boarders the divide is bench leg buck territory and 3point minimum. but most people will still call them blacktail. 574 also has bench leg deer but it’s an any buck unit for example. But you start to get closer to blacktail genetics.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: LDennis24 on November 02, 2024, 10:54:39 AM
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP88EEpHv/

Good Ole sparring match
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on November 02, 2024, 11:22:35 AM
TikTok, really? 🤣

Won't let me watch it.😭
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: LDennis24 on November 02, 2024, 12:08:52 PM
I figured out how to download it but it says the file is too large to post. It's a really good video. How do I get it on here for those who don't have Tiktok?
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: LDennis24 on November 02, 2024, 12:11:12 PM
Here's a short clip
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on November 02, 2024, 12:44:15 PM
Definitely cool. I was surprised at how little their horns were banging. Maybe I rattle way to much.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on November 02, 2024, 01:04:59 PM
I’ve got a good one a while back with two bucks sparing and a coyote following along. They were basically sparing and at the same time trying to stay ahead of the coyote. I’ve often wondered if I was over doing it with rattling BT, seems like more stomping and less rattling.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: redi on November 02, 2024, 02:20:36 PM
I saw an exceptional four-point this morning standing in the open with it though not a care in the world watching cars go by
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: stickbuck on November 02, 2024, 04:02:53 PM
Definitely cool. I was surprised at how little their horns were banging. Maybe I rattle way to much.
I thought the same thing, but if you watch the entire video on that TikTok account, there is more aggressive banging like you’d expect to see or hear.


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on November 03, 2024, 05:40:18 PM
This guy hasn’t been moving in daylight until today, the gray face really tells it all.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: brew on November 03, 2024, 05:59:20 PM
This guy hasn’t been moving in daylight until today, the gray face really tells it all.
dang...those big horned gray faced blacktail bucks are stunning.  Hopefully I get one some day.  Thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on November 04, 2024, 08:07:00 AM
This morning in our yard. Chasing a doe all over. So cool to see these old grey ghosts!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241104/dfe63bbc9d605a00312b42febaf69d56.jpg)


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 04, 2024, 11:25:41 AM
This guy was real rutty in the 30th, cost him some lead medicine. Undies have been in there with a quality tag a few days since and have seen rutty shooters every day just haven't been able to connect.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Mfowl on November 10, 2024, 01:51:57 PM
Some good daylight cruising today! Had a 3x4 come past my cell cam at 9:30 this morning then had a big forkie walk up the street and cut through the front yard just a few minutes ago.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: brew on November 10, 2024, 02:48:31 PM
745 this morning had a real nice 3 pt BT standing 40 yards from the back door.  He walked over and ate from the feeder.  I walked out and gave him a couple meh's and he stood and stared at me from 45 yards...not a care in the world.  First time this year saw a mature buck in daylight.  Houndreds of pics after dark
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Mulie87 on November 12, 2024, 09:04:45 PM
Anyone know the rut status up on Whidbey Island? The wife and I will be up there this weekend for late season. We’ll be on the South end of the island.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on November 12, 2024, 09:48:07 PM
Not sure, seems like this weather system might really shake things up. I am eyeing Thursday morning as it looks like the weather will start to clear up shortly before shooting light. Been getting some nice ones sporadicly throughout the day and night. So seems like they seem to be converging on the hot does, had 3 new bucks show up on the 7th Cascades. In Kitsap I haven’t had a lot of hot action, just 1.5 year old running around (which is not uncommon in the area I have my camera at).
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on November 12, 2024, 09:50:53 PM
This guy hung out for a while last week and fought off any bucks that came in. Neck is about as swollen as I have seen this year.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Mulie87 on November 13, 2024, 05:22:02 AM
Thanks. Ya, hopefully this nasty weather kicks it into gear. I left a couple cameras up when I was there the last week of the general season, so I should have a good idea what’s going on once I get there and check the cards.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: salmosalar on November 13, 2024, 08:11:52 AM
I had 2 bucks all but run me over chasing a doe on Saturday as I glassed a clearcut. The bigger buck was grunting up a storm.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: Mulie87 on November 13, 2024, 08:24:05 AM
That’s good news!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: PointBlank on November 13, 2024, 08:28:42 AM
Seen this guy on the coast as the last weather system arrived… very interesting head gear! Headlights didn’t bother him one bit had several does with him as well. Need to find my brother a buck this weekend! Good luck to everyone still heading out!
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: 7mmfan on November 13, 2024, 08:58:33 AM
Seen this guy on the coast as the last weather system arrived… very interesting head gear! Headlights didn’t bother him one bit had several does with him as well. Need to find my brother a buck this weekend! Good luck to everyone still heading out!

That is a cool buck. Looks young too. Would like to see him in 2-3 years.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on November 13, 2024, 09:42:30 AM
Had a decent 3 point show up on my camera last night and my buddy who has dandy bucks come through on his camera had the tallest, heaviest 2 point I've ever seen show up on his camera this morning. A true holy crap giant of a buck.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: PointBlank on November 13, 2024, 10:00:01 AM

That is a cool buck. Looks young too. Would like to see him in 2-3 years.
[/quote]

Yes it would hope he makes it… seeing to many spotlights in the woods lately… had a guy turn around next to the rig as we sat there warming up and start spotlighting right in front of us. Should have got a video and talked to warden. Shotty hunters will do anything to up their odds I guess
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: BigredRusch on November 16, 2024, 05:55:09 PM
Anyone having any luck this weekend?


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Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: swanderek on November 16, 2024, 06:05:17 PM
It's slowing down for me
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: addicted1 on November 16, 2024, 06:21:46 PM
Pretty slow for rut activity, but still a great time to be hunting. Lots of deer killed in the late season.
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: MADMAX on November 16, 2024, 07:25:28 PM
Got a day left
Get out there tomorrow
Good luck👍🍀
Title: Re: Blacktail Rut thread
Post by: highside74 on November 16, 2024, 07:29:07 PM
Hunted my buddies place today. He has some dandies. I saw one buck at around 4pm cruising. Unfortunately it was the only buck that is off limits. A stud 4x4. My other buddy shot a nice 2x3 with eyeguards sneaking along the treeline at 4:30 on some timber company land.
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