Post by: elkboy on October 29, 2020, 06:18:52 PM
Please correct me if there is already a 2020 whitetail activity thread. Here are my observations from this year (I will add on as I see more). My location is Whitman County (GMUs 139/142), for reference, and I will be heading to Idaho periodically (8, 8A, 11A).
September 20-25- afternoon-evening- small to medium bucks play-sparring with increasing vigor. Bigger bucks still out feeding here and there, but not interested in sparring.
September 26-Oct 4 (muzzleloader season)- whitetails actively feeding in late afternoon/early evening.
October 27- evening- I observed two small bucks (1x1, 2x2) grunting and chasing does, who evaded their efforts. Bigger bucks seemed to be keeping out of sight, likely due to the early fall hunting seasons putting them on alert.
Good luck to all of you still pursuing whitetail this year!
Post by: Mossy on October 29, 2020, 06:55:09 PM
Hey fellow whitetail addicts-
Please correct me if there is already a 2020 whitetail activity thread. Here are my observations from this year (I will add on as I see more). My location is Whitman County (GMUs 139/142), for reference, and I will be heading to Idaho periodically (8, 8A, 11A).
September 20-25- afternoon-evening- small to medium bucks play-sparring with increasing vigor. Bigger bucks still out feeding here and there, but not interested in sparring.
September 26-Oct 4 (muzzleloader season)- whitetails actively feeding in late afternoon/early evening.
October 27- evening- I observed two small bucks (1x1, 2x2) grunting and chasing does, who evaded their efforts. Bigger bucks seemed to be keeping out of sight, likely due to the early fall hunting seasons putting them on alert.
Good luck to all of you still pursuing whitetail this year!
As you’re aware, I’ll chime in later on in the season. Good post!
Post by: kramman on October 29, 2020, 07:23:00 PM
Post by: elkboy on November 01, 2020, 09:08:14 AM
Still kind of a typical summer behavior pattern, but the big bucks are holding back in the shadows. I did see tracks of a large buck, but likely indicated nighttime activity. No scrapes observed yet. I am hoping that things might begin to pick up next weekend (Nov 7-8).
Cheers all.
Post by: buckfvr on November 01, 2020, 09:22:17 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on November 01, 2020, 10:48:36 AM
Post by: elkboy on November 01, 2020, 01:25:01 PM
Saw a fellow local hunter in the coffee shop this morning, and he said the larger whitetails on his farm are still under cover, but that he is pretty excited for late archery.
Cheers.
Post by: Bango skank on November 01, 2020, 01:59:34 PM
Post by: elkboy on November 02, 2020, 07:38:53 AM
Seems to me the big boys dont get excited until mid month. Action usually starts around the 14th or 15th imo
Bango, you could always post a photo of your WT buck from last year to motivate the rest of us... :chuckle:
Post by: vandeman17 on November 02, 2020, 08:27:59 AM
Seems to me the big boys dont get excited until mid month. Action usually starts around the 14th or 15th imo
I agree with this. My experience is pre-rut goes down around the 8-15 of november then things start to ramp up
Post by: elkboy on November 05, 2020, 06:55:41 PM
Cheers to you all.
Post by: huntnnw on November 05, 2020, 06:57:50 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on November 05, 2020, 07:16:02 PM
Out my door as we speak in 127 I have 2 3yr olds harassing does
We are headed out tomorrow night. Can give report in 117 in a few days
Post by: antlerjunky2020 on November 05, 2020, 08:33:07 PM
Any update for units 121/124 WA?
Post by: Buckhunter24 on November 05, 2020, 08:40:54 PM
Today I was up near Ione, in an area I have been seeing lots of deer including a couple good bucks. I didn't see a single doe, or any rutting signs in the woods. I was up near 4000' and all day in just a long sleeve t shirt, warm weather.
Post by: Naches Sportsman on November 05, 2020, 08:55:05 PM
I'll be in unit 12 next week and will post what I see.
Post by: elkboy on November 05, 2020, 09:18:04 PM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 06, 2020, 06:42:17 AM
Post by: boneaddict on November 06, 2020, 07:05:41 AM
Post by: hunter399 on November 06, 2020, 07:32:53 AM
I'm not talking rubs,scrapes,and all that.
I'm talking red hot bucks following does, slobbering all over themselves.
Northeast Washington
Last four days of season always has been always will be.
Find does in that last four days and you will see bucks. :twocents:
Post by: Shooter4 on November 06, 2020, 07:34:32 AM
I will give you guys the best advice I know.your saying like 14-19th cuz that’s my observation
I'm not talking rubs,scrapes,and all that.
I'm talking red hot bucks following does, slobbering all over themselves.
Northeast Washington
Last four days of season always has been always will be.
Find does in that last four days and you will see bucks. :twocents:
Post by: hunter399 on November 06, 2020, 07:37:52 AM
I guess we are on the same page, yes.I will give you guys the best advice I know.your saying like 14-19th cuz that’s my observation
I'm not talking rubs,scrapes,and all that.
I'm talking red hot bucks following does, slobbering all over themselves.
Northeast Washington
Last four days of season always has been always will be.
Find does in that last four days and you will see bucks. :twocents:
But mine is not an observation ,more like that's how it's always been for the past 20 years.
Well I guess it is a observation ,a 20 year observation. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on November 06, 2020, 08:16:51 AM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 06, 2020, 08:21:08 AM
Yeah haha well last year we were kicking ourselves for going the first week with little activity we ended up going the last week on a Monday and it was night and day from the first week last year so I’m sure they get rutting the same time frame year after year we are doing the last week this yearI guess we are on the same page, yes.I will give you guys the best advice I know.your saying like 14-19th cuz that’s my observation
I'm not talking rubs,scrapes,and all that.
I'm talking red hot bucks following does, slobbering all over themselves.
Northeast Washington
Last four days of season always has been always will be.
Find does in that last four days and you will see bucks. :twocents:
But mine is not an observation ,more like that's how it's always been for the past 20 years.
Well I guess it is a observation ,a 20 year observation. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: hunter399 on November 06, 2020, 08:28:10 AM
I don't blame ya.Yeah haha well last year we were kicking ourselves for going the first week with little activity we ended up going the last week on a Monday and it was night and day from the first week last year so I’m sure they get rutting the same time frame year after year we are doing the last week this yearI guess we are on the same page, yes.I will give you guys the best advice I know.your saying like 14-19th cuz that’s my observation
I'm not talking rubs,scrapes,and all that.
I'm talking red hot bucks following does, slobbering all over themselves.
Northeast Washington
Last four days of season always has been always will be.
Find does in that last four days and you will see bucks. :twocents:
But mine is not an observation ,more like that's how it's always been for the past 20 years.
Well I guess it is a observation ,a 20 year observation. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Shot my buck last year ,last day ,raining,soaking wet.
Post by: Shooter4 on November 06, 2020, 08:41:14 AM
I don't blame ya.Yeah haha well last year we were kicking ourselves for going the first week with little activity we ended up going the last week on a Monday and it was night and day from the first week last year so I’m sure they get rutting the same time frame year after year we are doing the last week this yearI guess we are on the same page, yes.I will give you guys the best advice I know.your saying like 14-19th cuz that’s my observation
I'm not talking rubs,scrapes,and all that.
I'm talking red hot bucks following does, slobbering all over themselves.
Northeast Washington
Last four days of season always has been always will be.
Find does in that last four days and you will see bucks. :twocents:
But mine is not an observation ,more like that's how it's always been for the past 20 years.
Well I guess it is a observation ,a 20 year observation. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Shot my buck last year ,last day ,raining,
Yeah the last Monday where I was, was crispi and cold and they were chasing big time on the 18th thinking it will be the same this year
Post by: Shooter4 on November 06, 2020, 08:45:32 AM
Next week is gonna be tough I’m itchin to get out 😂I don't blame ya.Yeah haha well last year we were kicking ourselves for going the first week with little activity we ended up going the last week on a Monday and it was night and day from the first week last year so I’m sure they get rutting the same time frame year after year we are doing the last week this yearI guess we are on the same page, yes.I will give you guys the best advice I know.your saying like 14-19th cuz that’s my observation
I'm not talking rubs,scrapes,and all that.
I'm talking red hot bucks following does, slobbering all over themselves.
Northeast Washington
Last four days of season always has been always will be.
Find does in that last four days and you will see bucks. :twocents:
But mine is not an observation ,more like that's how it's always been for the past 20 years.
Well I guess it is a observation ,a 20 year observation. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Shot my buck last year ,last day ,raining,
Yeah the last Monday where I was, was crispi and cold and they were chasing big time on the 18th thinking it will be the same this year
Post by: buckfvr on November 06, 2020, 08:47:25 AM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 06, 2020, 08:51:35 AM
Little guys arent even pestering yet (here). My mock scrapes and licking branches are getting hammered at night. Only observed one of the little dinks work over a round fence post once so far but there are fresh shavings hitting the ground from 4 posts so theres more going on at night than meets the eye.Yeah it should kick off here in a week I feel like last year it really started the 16th
Post by: Scuffy on November 07, 2020, 07:13:10 AM
Post by: elkboy on November 09, 2020, 12:49:48 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 09, 2020, 12:54:02 PM
Post by: walt on November 09, 2020, 01:09:59 PM
Post by: elkboy on November 09, 2020, 02:11:52 PM
And thanks to everyone for sharing their expertise. I will continue to go out over the next 2-3 weeks to N Idaho. I have a few good friends who I want to help get their bucks, and I am excited to continue the "experiments in rattling". I'll share what I learn.
Post by: Stein on November 09, 2020, 02:13:54 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 09, 2020, 02:15:16 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 09, 2020, 10:17:19 PM
Post by: Slamadoo on November 09, 2020, 10:49:24 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 09, 2020, 10:50:01 PM
Post by: Gentrys on November 10, 2020, 11:52:19 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 10, 2020, 12:22:21 PM
Post by: baldopepper on November 10, 2020, 01:57:47 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 10, 2020, 06:04:36 PM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 10, 2020, 06:15:38 PM
Last light tonight, stud buck (first time Ive seen this guy) shows @ 500+ yards knew he wasnt going to get to where I can shoot before it was too poor light conditions. He dilly dallied, had some grass, stopped for a few rose hips, meandered in our direction but didnt drop in at normal spot. He continued side hill into a blind draw. Usually the matures go in there and hang out until dark and thats what I expected but he blew up out the other side and went after a doe, she took off, he curled around and stood broadside at 384 lip curling. Does all around him but he ignored them as none appeared to smell right. So, light wasnt good enough for the shot at 384 (chip shot), so that was it. He will be back or one of the others will show soon enough. As it got darker and shooting hours passed, he had made it down into the top of my pasture which is over grown buck brush and very wild, he checked the does, and was at the mock scrape last I saw (250 yards). Wife is up first, but this particular buck wont get passed by me if I get the chance. Stud.so your saying we’re real close to full swing like this weekend into next week?
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 10, 2020, 06:16:01 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 10, 2020, 06:21:09 PM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 10, 2020, 06:21:53 PM
Should be an uptick in activity everyday now with it peaking well after mid month.do they park for more than a couple days?
Post by: Shooter4 on November 10, 2020, 06:25:05 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 10, 2020, 06:32:34 PM
I watch everyday (for deer) and dont miss many after the season as I watch for yotes.
Post by: Bango skank on November 10, 2020, 06:40:37 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 10, 2020, 06:49:34 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 10, 2020, 06:59:51 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 10, 2020, 07:08:52 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 10, 2020, 07:20:54 PM
absolutely. right place right time. just a patience game. i sat in stand for 70 hours before i killed my buck in alberta last year. had 34 buck encounters over that time frame. a few borderline shooters but was after something specific. paid off. be patient!
Somewhere around 500 hours (over two years) for my last buck. Lotta being cold and losing hope involved. But an excess of persistence can pay off and overcome a lack of talent :chuckle:
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 10, 2020, 07:47:01 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 10, 2020, 07:52:57 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 10, 2020, 10:03:23 PM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on November 10, 2020, 10:09:05 PM
Today I hiked in to hunt this evening for the buck I am after. I walked a logging road 2 mi in with 5" of snow and not a single deer track.
Sounds like an area in 117 this Sunday morning but with just a dusting. Absolutely dead in there.
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 10, 2020, 10:09:46 PM
I know hes going to show up any day now.....aint that the truth!! but if he does....
Post by: huntnnw on November 10, 2020, 10:53:25 PM
Today I hiked in to hunt this evening for the buck I am after. I walked a logging road 2 mi in with 5" of snow and not a single deer track.
Sounds like an area in 117 this Sunday morning but with just a dusting. Absolutely dead in there.
got a few buddys with cams in 124 and 117 and both said nothing showing on cams. I had 1 cam up with falfa ,corn and sweetmix since friday and 2 little bucks just showed up last night. Been very odd. Got a couple bucks at the house and they have very little interest in the does
Post by: huntnnw on November 10, 2020, 10:56:28 PM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 11, 2020, 07:14:11 AM
theres a peak in every area. Being able to watch deer right out my window you will see a 2-4 day window every year where the bucks are going nuts then you see a noticeable drop off in activity . Pretty much every year its Nov 17-23 in that areawould make sense Washington only gives guys a real good 3 day hunt
Post by: buckfvr on November 11, 2020, 08:43:10 AM
absolutely. right place right time. just a patience game. i sat in stand for 70 hours before i killed my buck in alberta last year. had 34 buck encounters over that time frame. a few borderline shooters but was after something specific. paid off. be patient!
I ate 2 tags on my quest for last years buck spread over nearly 6 years. Lots of dark pics, very few sightings in daylight, only once or twice during season at exceedingly long range. Tooth submission says he was 9, so 9 1/2 at least.
Oh ya, the entire late season is a real good hunt provided youve done your homework. Id not miss a day of it by choice.
Post by: Naches Sportsman on November 11, 2020, 06:27:14 PM
Both bucks I saw today were loners. No does with them.
Post by: huntnnw on November 11, 2020, 11:03:27 PM
Post by: antlerjunky2020 on November 12, 2020, 12:34:41 AM
WA 124: Scouted Monday for late archery, saw two small bucks sparing at daylight. Watched 6 does all morning with no bucks around them. I did see a 3 year old chasing a doe briefly right before dark. I had one mature buck pass through a camera looked to be following a doe that was in the picture before. Other than that minimal mature deer movement.
Post by: Bango skank on November 12, 2020, 01:20:22 AM
Post by: huntnnw on November 12, 2020, 04:47:29 AM
Post by: nwwanderer on November 12, 2020, 05:27:43 AM
Post by: elkboy on November 12, 2020, 07:25:28 AM
Awesome reports. Thanks all! I took the dog for a walk in Unit 139 last night. Saw two different large 5x5 whitetail bucks actively cruising, and chasing does they encountered. I saw no small bucks...
Post by: buckfvr on November 12, 2020, 07:55:25 AM
Wife just showed me we have taken 3 bucks here on nov 12th......2012, 2014, and 2016
Post by: ne kid on November 12, 2020, 07:56:58 AM
Post by: Bango skank on November 12, 2020, 08:22:18 AM
Post by: huntnnw on November 12, 2020, 08:49:10 AM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 12, 2020, 09:22:13 AM
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on November 12, 2020, 09:54:44 AM
Post by: Mossy on November 12, 2020, 10:15:45 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201112/e943dad9cf5e971f116842eb60048637.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: elkboy on November 12, 2020, 10:30:21 AM
Second pic is a slightly more junior buck a half mile away, also chasing. Again, sorry for low quality pics.
Post by: cougforester on November 12, 2020, 11:05:53 AM
Here's one of the bucks I saw yesterday evening. Taken from hundreds of yards, pardon the low quality. He was sniffing (flehmen/lip-curl to expose vomeronasal organs- definitely testing the pheromones) and chasing does around. :)
Second pic is a slightly more junior buck a half mile away, also chasing. Again, sorry for low quality pics.
Jeez Mark, wish I had the Palouse tag this year. That first buck is good 'un!
Post by: elkboy on November 12, 2020, 11:18:40 AM
Post by: bustedoldman on November 12, 2020, 11:38:16 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 12, 2020, 12:39:20 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 12, 2020, 06:50:41 PM
19 slicks and 3 dinks last night, all seemed agitated and jumpy.
Wife just showed me we have taken 3 bucks here on nov 12th......2012, 2014, and 2016
Make that 4 bucks and add 2020. Had one of our target bucks where we wanted him at 415 tonight, but due to the high level of activity with other deer in the way and jumping around like elementary school at recess, wife had to pass off to me as she wasnt certain she was going to be able to get it done, very glad she opted out and I was OK with tagging this one. Good solid meat buck.
Private land, buck was there to scent check the girls for sure. Before he got there, the dinks (5) tonight were aggressive with each other and the does. Few more days and it will be full blown.
Post by: Shooter4 on November 12, 2020, 07:03:42 PM
let’s see a picture!19 slicks and 3 dinks last night, all seemed agitated and jumpy.
Wife just showed me we have taken 3 bucks here on nov 12th......2012, 2014, and 2016
Make that 4 bucks and add 2020. Had one of our target bucks where we wanted him at 415 tonight, but due to the high level of activity with other deer in the way and jumping around like elementary school at recess, wife had to pass off to me as she wasnt certain she was going to be able to get it done, very glad she opted out and I was OK with tagging this one. Good solid meat buck.
Post by: Sutherland on November 12, 2020, 07:11:33 PM
Post by: elkboy on November 12, 2020, 07:19:51 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 12, 2020, 08:04:26 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 12, 2020, 08:21:21 PM
Post by: kramman on November 12, 2020, 08:29:03 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 12, 2020, 08:33:50 PM
Good looking bucks! Congrats.... I'm headed to Idaho this weekend cant wait. Good luck to everyone
I took today off, back at it in unit 1 tomorrow morning. Hope i can break this streak of dink bucks and find a shooter tomorrow. Lots of snow coming soon to chase me out of the mountains. Need to get it done. With the impending weather ill take a decent whitetail or muley, either one is fine.
Post by: jamesjett on November 12, 2020, 08:37:31 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 12, 2020, 08:39:54 PM
Headed out To 121 on Sunday and have the week off. I hope I don’t get fogged out all day every day as I did last year!
Pretty standard to have heavy fog this time of year. Ruins a lot of hunting for a lot of people. Unfortunate, but its what it is.
Post by: kramman on November 12, 2020, 08:57:30 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 12, 2020, 09:04:57 PM
Hey Bango best of luck to ya. I'm headed to 11 on Sunday or Monday depending on weather. Hope to hit the rut sweet spot. Let us know how it goes...
Im just lookin for something bigger than buckfvr's buck. The beast he got last year made my buck look like a dink. Cant let him top me again or ill never hear the end of it.
Post by: kramman on November 12, 2020, 09:08:45 PM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 12, 2020, 09:18:04 PM
I'm looking for my biggest whitetail ever! Since my only whitetail so far is a spike, I'm not aiming to high! Hahagotta let the small ones pass in order to get the big ones
Post by: kramman on November 12, 2020, 09:26:25 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 14, 2020, 03:15:09 AM
Post by: Shooter4 on November 14, 2020, 04:27:37 AM
Last night at 7:30 a buck I have on cam half mile away all summer and fall just showed up lip curling and chasing a doe, first mature buck that’s showed. He’s over 6 yrs oldwahoo looks like it took vacation at the right time!
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 14, 2020, 04:30:29 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 14, 2020, 05:08:08 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 14, 2020, 06:05:12 PM
Post by: bustedoldman on November 14, 2020, 07:12:12 PM
Post by: baldopepper on November 14, 2020, 07:16:12 PM
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 14, 2020, 07:52:43 PM
Post by: elkboy on November 14, 2020, 08:35:53 PM
Post by: Mossy on November 14, 2020, 08:56:15 PM
Buddies buck we picked up this afternoon. Swollen neck hangin with a doe
First lite gets them every time
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 15, 2020, 06:58:32 AM
Post by: elkboy on November 15, 2020, 02:45:06 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on November 15, 2020, 05:28:10 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 15, 2020, 05:38:31 PM
Post by: dr.derek on November 15, 2020, 06:23:44 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 15, 2020, 09:59:57 PM
Post by: andersonjk4 on November 16, 2020, 06:34:28 AM
Post by: huntnnw on November 16, 2020, 06:44:32 AM
Post by: huntnnw on November 16, 2020, 06:49:17 AM
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 16, 2020, 07:18:47 AM
Side note, talked to the Idaho fng the other day. Told him I’d be there the 18th thru end of month potentially. He said we should be hitting it at just the right time. Said bucks just starting to move and it will continue to ramp up the next week or two. I’m excited!
Post by: huntnnw on November 16, 2020, 07:37:29 AM
Post by: jjhunter on November 16, 2020, 08:21:18 AM
Post by: dmoua on November 16, 2020, 08:45:16 AM
Post by: elkboy on November 16, 2020, 09:05:25 AM
Moved to a new spot in unit 1 today. Way more deer sign here. Hopes up for tomorrow. Saw my first bit of (whitetail) rut action today. Watching a dink buck for a bit, a doe comes down the hill. Hes mildly interested. She started little runs trying to get him to chase. Stopping to pee for him, all that. He was sniffing and lip curling and followed her into the dark timber. He made a rub and a scrape, and the scrape was directly on top of my backtrail, wiped out one or two of my boot prints. Also saw a damn moose all rutty today this late still. Long story short he got in my face all aggressive and hounded me for a few hundred yards as i looked for a tree to climb, thinking i was going to have to shoot him. He eventually let me go, but man, it was unreal. Couldnt believe he was acting like that. Almost crapped myself. Not fun. Had him as close as 15yrds at one point. Ive had them bark at me and flex, but nothing like this. This dude was serious.
Glad you're all right, Bango. Moose can be downright scary.
Post by: huntnnw on November 16, 2020, 10:26:22 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 17, 2020, 05:07:58 PM
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on November 17, 2020, 05:15:40 PM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 17, 2020, 06:23:46 PM
I was hoping to get some advice from some of you more seasoned whitetail hunters. I'm gonna hunt this saturday or sunday depending on the weather outlook. I'm hunting near timber but also have a 40 acre field of grass to hunt.
What would your typical day look like? Do you tend to still hunt through the morning then sit on a field in the evening? Sit the field morning and evening and still hunt bedding late morning thru early afternoon? Sit the field all day? The rut should be in full swing and I'm sure some bucks will be locked up but that's why I'm thinking push some cover if the field's empty at first light. Thanks in advance and good luck tagholders!
Post by: buckfvr on November 17, 2020, 06:37:43 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 17, 2020, 06:43:33 PM
Ole 1 eye is lucky I’m picky
Yes on both accounts. Hes lucky, and youre picky. :tup:
Post by: fishnfur on November 17, 2020, 06:55:06 PM
Must be going to Idaho, Me ? Id go into the timber just far enough to be able to see in there and shoot while at the same time being able to watch and shoot the field. I would sit in one or two places for the entire day, being still, looking and listening. Take a grunt and a can, and pay attention to the wind when you set up. Id use a masking scent also.
Same as Blacktail. Good luck!
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 17, 2020, 08:16:23 PM
Must be going to Idaho, Me ? Id go into the timber just far enough to be able to see in there and shoot while at the same time being able to watch and shoot the field. I would sit in one or two places for the entire day, being still, looking and listening. Take a grunt and a can, and pay attention to the wind when you set up. Id use a masking scent also.Thanks for the feedback, I think I stomp around the woods too much thinking “there’s a deer around the next corner I’m sure of it”. I’ll try your strategy this time around. And yes heading to Idaho to try to hang my expensive tag on a buck. Maybe a doe....
Post by: bigdub257 on November 17, 2020, 08:48:07 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 17, 2020, 10:09:12 PM
My buddy saw a stud 5 point standing in the middle of the highway today. Probably had a hot doe nearby and couldn't decide which way to go. Maybe a hot doe on each side of the road! Such a great problem to have, too many options! ;)
I was hoping to get some advice from some of you more seasoned whitetail hunters. I'm gonna hunt this saturday or sunday depending on the weather outlook. I'm hunting near timber but also have a 40 acre field of grass to hunt.
What would your typical day look like? Do you tend to still hunt through the morning then sit on a field in the evening? Sit the field morning and evening and still hunt bedding late morning thru early afternoon? Sit the field all day? The rut should be in full swing and I'm sure some bucks will be locked up but that's why I'm thinking push some cover if the field's empty at first light. Thanks in advance and good luck tagholders!
I have done super well using a grunt tube. Keep wind in your face or atleast blowing where you dont expect deer to be. Ill do a series of calls and wait 30-45 min. Ill then move 200 yards or more depending on cover if its open country Ill move further and repeat the process. Another is if you can find a area to see alot with cover sit all day and be patient. Look for pinches such as timber cuts and field corners bucks cruising will cut the corners or travel just inside the cover
Post by: elkboy on November 18, 2020, 06:45:29 AM
I would add that rattling also works with that call-wait-move routine. For example, on Saturday, I took a friend out for some rattling, starting about 130 pm (earliest I could get out; all day is better). We moved 200-300 yards between setups, spending 30-45 minutes at each, and about an hour 15 at the final set at dusk. It was the final set where we got a buck in at 40 yards. Don't worry too much about bumping deer in your moves, but I would still move at least partly in a still hunt mode, scanning and listening. Finding areas of open understory with intermittent brush or clusters of saplings is great, as you can see and shoot, but the deer feel secure enough to run in and check out your grunts, doe bleats, or rattles. But if you find a really great spot, like an intersection of heavily traveled trails with a great concealment spot, don't be afraid to sit for several hours.
Post by: Bango skank on November 18, 2020, 09:52:59 AM
Post by: elkboy on November 18, 2020, 10:06:28 AM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 19, 2020, 04:25:04 AM
Started seeing some squirrely does and a small rutty buck in idaho lately and found a couple fresh scrapes and rubs. Heading back tomorrow. Took my fences down from around my aspens this summer, figured theyre big enough to handle some browsing now. Put these little trunk protectors on them thinking deer wouldnt want to rub them. Nope. Jerk buck shredded them off of 4 of my 6 aspens. Beginning to reconsider this "not use my wa tag" thing this year. >:(Hostile moose and punk little buck! You must be throwing off some sketch pheromones. ;). What is the story on not using the WA tag?
Either way these deer (and some moose apparently) are ready to rock n roll, best of luck this coming weekend and thanks for the advice everyone!
Post by: hunter399 on November 19, 2020, 06:01:56 AM
Would've been 3 for 3 on our tags.
I feel a little bad for her but sometimes it just doesn't work out even with the rut.
Getting them on game cam - to the back of the truck is easier said then done.
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 20, 2020, 05:21:47 AM
Wife almost got it done yesterday on a nice 4pt .It just wasn't gonna stand there a second longer even with a Doe there. :bash:Very true statement! Nice buck though and maybe he’ll be around and bigger next year!
Would've been 3 for 3 on our tags.
I feel a little bad for her but sometimes it just doesn't work out even with the rut.
Getting them on game cam - to the back of the truck is easier said then done.
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 20, 2020, 06:25:20 AM
N. Idaho found some rubs and a small scrape. Lots of does still with fawns close. Killed a young buck in perfect shape covered in fat and glands not stinky at all.
Post by: hunter399 on November 20, 2020, 07:04:38 AM
Post by: huntnnw on November 20, 2020, 07:11:59 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 20, 2020, 08:34:49 AM
Rut at its peak now around me. Very few bucks on cam and lots yearlings without mom around.
Exactly
Post by: vandeman17 on November 20, 2020, 10:39:42 AM
Rut at its peak now around me. Very few bucks on cam and lots yearlings without mom around.
Exactly
I am hoping the same is true in Western Montana. Headed out after work and there for a week if needed.
Post by: huntnnw on November 20, 2020, 10:53:13 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 20, 2020, 11:24:33 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on November 20, 2020, 11:26:52 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 20, 2020, 12:19:01 PM
With rut activity and intensity having a lot to do with buck to doe ratio in any given area, and age class structure of bucks in the area, I think that is why observations tend to vary so much from one area to another that may not even be very far away.
Post by: huntnnw on November 20, 2020, 04:34:24 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 20, 2020, 04:35:20 PM
Post by: jamesjett on November 20, 2020, 06:26:39 PM
Post by: JL on November 20, 2020, 07:55:28 PM
Post by: Machias on November 20, 2020, 08:38:04 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on November 20, 2020, 08:46:18 PM
Spent the last four days in 121 and didn’t see any rut activity. Plenty of does still with yearlings feeding. Zero rubs nor scrapes all in areas I usually see them this time of year.
Same observations as you. We also hunted 121 the last 4 days.
Post by: johnhart84 on November 20, 2020, 10:01:55 PM
For what its worth I'm at approximately 2000ft in elevation.
Post by: buckfvr on November 21, 2020, 08:18:48 AM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 23, 2020, 02:47:35 PM
Post by: cbond3318 on November 23, 2020, 02:58:25 PM
Anyone seeing much going on still in Idaho?
I had a doe pull a mature 4 point right past me yesterday, ended up seeing a total of 3 older bucks within 2 hrs, all trailing hard, oblivious to the outside world.
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 23, 2020, 03:00:20 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 23, 2020, 03:06:13 PM
Post by: elkboy on November 23, 2020, 03:10:58 PM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 23, 2020, 05:40:48 PM
Post by: Mossy on November 23, 2020, 06:07:47 PM
Deep snow with a layer of the crunchy stuff makes for a rough go. 4-6 inches of new today. I’m not seeing much in rutting activity and I’ll assume my last day tomorrow will be no different :dunno:
Post by: Bango skank on November 23, 2020, 06:09:22 PM
Post by: Mossy on November 24, 2020, 10:27:38 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 24, 2020, 11:17:25 PM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 25, 2020, 04:15:48 AM
Rut still going strong around me. Almost 0 shooter bucks at any of my cams. Lots of scrapes.Heading out this morning for opener late bow season! If those bucks aren’t at your place they must be hanging near my tree stand ;)
Bringing rattle horns, grunt tube, and high hopes! Thanks for all the reports so far.
Post by: huntnnw on November 26, 2020, 03:56:15 AM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 26, 2020, 04:39:11 AM
Post by: huntnnw on November 26, 2020, 10:06:25 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 26, 2020, 10:19:19 AM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 26, 2020, 11:50:24 AM
Post by: buckfvr on November 26, 2020, 11:58:04 AM
Post by: huntnnw on November 26, 2020, 03:28:10 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 26, 2020, 04:08:36 PM
Post by: greenhead_killer on November 26, 2020, 04:57:58 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 26, 2020, 05:06:14 PM
we came out of unit 1yesterday and didnt see but one basket 4 in 7 days. for such great looking country, sure was a lack of sign and/or animals! headed back to unit 3 for a few days in the morning. hoping to get one of the late cruisers, or any action for that matter!
Sounds similar to my experience hunting unit 1
Post by: TommyH on November 26, 2020, 05:49:13 PM
Post by: Machias on November 26, 2020, 08:03:46 PM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 27, 2020, 07:20:42 PM
Post by: huntnnw on November 27, 2020, 07:31:54 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 28, 2020, 03:28:58 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 28, 2020, 04:21:20 PM
Post by: Bango skank on November 28, 2020, 04:24:12 PM
Post by: buckfvr on November 28, 2020, 04:28:02 PM
Forky with browtines is in my back yard right now grunting up a storm and messing with the does. Focused on one doe in particular
Ya, mommy.
Post by: SpurInSpokane on November 28, 2020, 05:03:04 PM
Was actually practicing with a new saddle setup, and had messed around w/ my grunt tube. Then just after I let my bow down to the ground, my daughter was yellin' at me from the deck, and starts pointing to this buck coming in!
Now if I could only replicate that on some huntable property...
Post by: Mossy on November 28, 2020, 05:08:46 PM
A bit late, but had a decent buck scent checking a bedding area in my neighbor's back yard on Wednesday (11/25), around 3pm.
Was actually practicing with a new saddle setup, and had messed around w/ my grunt tube. Then just after I let my bow down to the ground, my daughter was yellin' at me from the deck, and starts pointing to this buck coming in!
Now if I could only replicate that on some huntable property...
Yep, seems like the decent cruisers around here started about 2 weeks ago. I have multiple pictures and videos
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 29, 2020, 07:25:05 AM
Good luck tag holders.
Post by: elkboy on November 29, 2020, 09:13:35 AM
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on November 29, 2020, 11:24:03 AM
For late muzzleloader here in Unit 139, I put a friend of mine on a good field that always holds deer. Yesterday (11/28), a buck was grunting, rubbing, and chasing does in the brushy draw below him for about 30 minutes before walking up into the field. He presented a shot at 20 yards, and my friend put the buck down. Nice 5x4!Sounds like a great rut hunt, way to put your friend on the deer!
Post by: jjhunter on November 29, 2020, 09:12:27 PM
Post by: andersonjk4 on November 30, 2020, 12:36:16 PM
Post by: 10thmountainarcher on December 01, 2020, 06:27:33 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on December 02, 2020, 07:25:16 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 02, 2020, 08:09:54 AM
We tried several rattling sets over the weekend and nothing came in. Saw several groups of doe's that had no bucks with them.
Post by: huntnnw on December 05, 2020, 12:49:08 PM
Post by: buckfvr on December 05, 2020, 02:31:53 PM
Post by: huntnnw on December 05, 2020, 02:50:07 PM
Post by: buckfvr on December 05, 2020, 04:12:23 PM