Thank you for taking the time to set the record straight. There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20-15. As for myself I choose to listen and learn from your decades of experience. Thank you again.
Don't really know how I found you, but I love that you're a no BS kinda guy. Very rare to find these days with guys who run outdoor channels. Just an ole woodsman that calls it how he sees it. Would love more videos on hunting winds that are favorable to the buck, and how they behave in those winds. I think I'm really starting to wrap my head around it.
Simple just move down to bucks entering and exit spot if he’s working the wind and from Halloween through November just hunt the buck because he ain’t worried about but one thing ! Pretty simple I’d say there Leroy
@@danielmcbride4828 hey nobody saying that’s not true but I’m not going to not hunt due to any wind and it’s never stopped me from killing that mature buck! He always messes up and I’m there so basically saying hunt just hunt don’t get to technical with it
I may not agree with everything you have stated but it's valuable to me as a hunter to be aware of all of the theories. Thank you for taking to time to share this information.
Great info Don, I’m sixty and been hunting since I was 13, I’ve seen a lot, believed a lot, and I’ve found doubt in a lot of theories, 40 yrs of experience debunks theories! Anything can happen in the wild, can’t control nature, there will be freakish things happen but for the most part everything will fall as nature calls
Pineal gland... photosensitivity... BEST and most reasonable logic I've ever heard for does going into heat. Dang maaaan... wish I could have watched this about 10 years ago.!! Keep up the great work.!!!
so do i, you have to decide whats important, when i was younger i used to quit my job every year on opening day of deer season, then have to find a new job as soon as it was over, so 12 or so years ago i started my business because work was getting in the way of my hunting and fishing time :)
Luke G i hunted 4 days of dark to dark sits. In a blind in a $5 academy chair. And a $5 stool. Used the stool for a foot prop and had a recliner out there and just sat and listened for days
@@yourmomma2995 you to hu? I thought i was the only person that did that lol.i literly quit my jib every year from tbe age of 16-my 20's.im now 43 & pissed off i cant quit or ill loose it all.keeps me in the woods longer though on my days off "sat-sun" ill hunt dayligjt til dark during this time of the year.but yea i feel ya.
I agree with everything he says except the range of rutting bucks. There is no 2nd rut 100%. If a rutting buck can smell 1 mile what makes him think that buck wouldn’t travel that far for a piece
You seem to rely too heavily on one opinion w/o knowing either "pro". 42 yrs. of hunting is a lot of experience. I've been deer hunting for 61 years and I've too many people who have a small percentage of my experiences and think they are "pros". Not so. This dude just has a larger audience with his UA-cam vid.
Question, I hear so much about the November rut. In Alabama I have not seen the rut in November, ever. We are still waiting for it, showing signs of the next week or so of it happening. How much can the rut vary from different portions of the U.S? Maybe a video with what you have learned would be awesome! Great videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge
Since the rut is based on photoperiod, and since Alabama is deep south, the shortening/lengthening of days there is less pronounced than up north. Thus the rut in Alabama could happen later in November or in December, when the shorter days are more comparable to up north. Regardless of where you are in the northern hemisphere, the shortest day of the year is always within a day of Dec. 21, but the closer you are to the equator, the less pronounced the shortening/lengthening is.
I agree with most of this with the exception of finding new bucks on your properties during the rut. We have historically found "new" bucks that were never seen before. This is probably a function of the fact that our property is on the edge of his home range and that he is moving more within that home range in early November. We co-op manage about 1,500 acres in Upstate NY that is mostly farmland with small wood blocks and creek bottoms. If the bucks are bedding on our properties we generally find them. The "new" bucks we see are often on camera several hours after nightfall and the assumption is they travelled far that night. I will say that bucks we observe change their bedding areas happen late season based on food and the fact that they seem willing to bed in closer proximity to does that they are not willing to during peak breeding. We also assume that some of that movement is the result of hunting pressure from neighboring properties. Great content, fresh takes, good stuff Don. Nice to see someone not regurgitating others info but info gleaned from years of experience. Thanks man
Great video Don! I take the same week each year off from work (the week before NY firearm season) and have done this for over 30 years and the rut activity is always very active that week and given me many opportunities at harvesting bucks with a bow. I used to follow the moon phase but it was never accurate. I also keep a close eye on storm fronts as this appear to increase deer activity, especially cold fronts. Thanks for sharing this info.
Good common sense information presented in a professional manner. I agree with you 100% even though I was the Hunter that only got weekends to hunt in the past I am now retired and spend as much time in the woods. Every year I learn more about whitetails and their habits from personal experience and enjoy every minute. Thank you.
Everything sounds legit except for the new bucks moving in, in my opinion. We hunt a small piece of property and usually don’t get good bucks on the cameras until the rut comes around.
Average range for whitetail deer is 4000 acres that covers many farms in most cases so it's not unusual to not see bucks you've been seeing or see more bucks wants the chasing kicks in
@@chrisfenimore8662 Must be in Texas.... Home ranges of whitetail bucks in excellent habitat with plenty of food available can be quite small. GPS studies in prime areas of Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Maryland have shown home ranges averaging from 269 to 559 acres; not even as much as a square mile (640 acres).
Well, whether a 2nd rut or a prolong rut, is seen in my area of the country. I notice that chasing activity is the strongest usually the last 2weeks of November and sometimes into the 1st week of December. But then, the last week of December into the 1st week of January some years you see chasing activity start again. This to me explain why you see small fawns into June where you see larger fawns earlier in the year around April/May. But I do respect your observations and experiences on the subject.
I SURE appreciate all your seasoned experience and advice. Hoping for a great first season on my new purchased land in Andalusia Alabama. Loads of does and a big group of beautiful young bucks on camera for future hunts years from now . I'm sure there are big boys near by as well.
I hunt property in Louisiana along the Mississippi River where there is a late December rut. I bow to your experience certainly, just some things in this part of the country are a located a little differently on the calendar. Great video.
Exactly. Different climates cause different ruts. Here in Florida, the deer rut starts in July down in the southern part of the state and runs through February in the northern parts of the state.
Great video. I agree that moon phase doesn’t impact the timing of the rut. To me it seems it can have an effect on our perception of the rut by influencing deer movement. Certain moon phases may cause deer patterns to change, most deer sightings happen around dawn and dusk. If their feeding patterns are effected by moon phase they may not be seen by hunters prior to dark heading to feed or early in the morning going back to bed down. I’ll bowhunt as often and sit as long as I can from the last week of October to the Wisconsin gun season opener which is the third weekend in November. From year to year the rut activity seems to change. Some years it’s very short and intense a I will only see 7-10 days of bucks seeking and chasing does. Other years it seems to last for an entire month and we will still have bucks chasing at the end of November during gun season. Last year it seemed to be non existent. Little to no sightings of chasing or solo bucks seeking receptive does. Of course other factors will impact deer activity such as hunting pressure and weather readily available food sources, possibly even moon phases. No matter what the rut in the area I hunt happens the same time every year. End of October starts the pre rut. Buck activity picks up. I see mostly bucks moving solo , searching for the first receptive does. I’ve had my best luck during this time frame still early morning and late evening. First week in November I’ll start to see young bucks chasing and bigger bucks now pairing up with does. Second week in November activity seems to taper off. I feel like a few does have already been bread but the majority are now coming into heat. Bucks don’t have to cover the same amount of ground to find a receptive doe. If they doe isn’t quite ready they will lock down together and wait. This happens through the end of November here in southern Wisconsin. Of course it will very depending on your location. I see newborn fawns every year around the same time. Mostly end of May- middle of June.
Great video backed up by 40 years of experience. I gotta agree with you. I have also been bow hunting for the last 48 years and have been lucky to harvest a few hundred Whitetails due to some Suburban reduction programs. I love to hear all of the other guys with their theories, the Moon, the cold , the snow , But I always see the rut start the first week of November typically November 3 rd and on here in the NorthEast. So that thats my take and it seems to fall in line with your interpretation and you have much more first hand experience raising deer..
Great video!! Based on everything I know, it sounds like everything you expressed in this video is backed solidly by science! And your first hand experience. Loving your videos! Third one I've watched, I believe. Great, no bs, to the point, content!
I’ve had a target buck killed 5 miles from his core area in November. It hurt but he went through a hell of a terrain obstacle to die for that doe. Now keep in mind I’ve always hunted 100 acre parcels. Never a large 5 mile parcel to observe this. But I’d say you are correct. Thanks for the no bs videos. I learn a lot from you.
Very good video ! I like your no BS style and agree with everything you said except the buck traveling thing. We plant quite a few acres of good food plots and they draw the does , especially late in the season .As you stated a buck can sent a hot doe a Long way off and I believe they do draw bucks that don't normally use our property. JMO. Keep up the good videos ! PS, This is my 60th year deer hunting, Thank GOD !
Didn't ruffle my feathers but this great info for the Midwest. But in GA it doesn't work like that. And that comes from first hand experience hunting super thick planted pines for 30 years.
Don't have feathers, and have heard more deer info than quaker makes oats, doesn't work like that in northern half of Ms. either, 20 yrs. ago or so, saw a fully spotted fawn in late Nov, [no fallow deer] . Been deer hunting for 56 yrs. and a "few" have gone down by arrow, smoke pole, rifle, shot gun, crossbow. A deer is a deer they do deer stuff, everything wants to survive, later breeding happens. [here anyway maybe it's a southern thing]
@@vasquezisai5506 heck yeah they do. They might be rutting like crazy here and go one county over and it's like all the bucks are gay and could care less about a doe. We just kinda wing it and hope for the best
Just saw this for the first time. I’m from Georgia too and in my 50 years of hunting I’d conclude the rut is over by the second week of November. Pre rut/ chasing is generally during bow season which is in my opinion, the best time to see bucks. Not disputing what he sees but it is definitely different in other areas of the country.
Totally agree, I've always said when we roll back the clock, day light savings stimulate the the doe to come in to heat!!!! I was told years ago , from a deer breeder how they stimulate the does to come in to heat is putting them in a day light and temperature control barns to get the estrus pee.I started paying close attention to the time of year and while hunting watching the activity on the farms I was hunting. I Totally AGREE Day Lights Saving ,is the trigger!!!! Thanks 👍 Great Video!!!
Thanks for the great info! I'm kind of a new hunter and I hear all kinds of theories and advice. They tend to contradict or vary each other. I listen to everything but go with the people having the greatest successes and experience. Very glad I found this video.
Thank you for all of this information. I agree with most of it with the exception of the "new" buck theory. I wanted to add pictures. We lease about 2000 acres total and had trail cam photos of a split brow 9 pt on our property last year and the buck was killed a few miles down the rd.
I agree and trust your opinion, I’ve been hunting Deer for 35years...I’m sure you have more time with Deer than I ever have. Thanks for the info. Ont, Canada!
I have a large doe in my area that I've seen every month of the year for 2 years now. I watched her on May 23rd 2020 when she was very pregnant. I talked to another person in the middle of June & asked them if they had seen her recently since I hadn't. They said the week b4 Memorial day was their last sighting. She had twins I'm sure of b4 the end of May. If u do the math that's six months & roughly an additional 2 weeks the gestation period of a doe which coincides to the dates that Don gave. I have witnessed for 30 years or more that there is always a doe in heat up here in MN on November 10th. The amount of daylight is the only fact u can pin on that date. Usually the sundown time on November 10th is 4:50 CDT. This year it was November 9th. One other thing I have observed on many different places in my area is around that time that a mature doe will leave her fawns with a subordinate doe & search out a real suitor when she feels that she is about ready to be bred. They act differently & will be alone. I watched a doe last year do this on an evening u wouldn't expect to see a deer weather wise. However it was November 10th & all bets r off when it comes to weather or moon phases.
Finally a reasonable explanation for those very late fawns. Can say that I’ve seen a very small doe being literally tailed by a very large buck. Great presentation.
I believe everything you said is true...for your area. In the coastal plain area in Texas (south of El Campo) where I hunt on an MLD lease, the state biologist has told us that based on newborn fawn sightings in the spring translate to the primary rut in our area being late September/early October. This agrees with what we se in the field as our season starts the closest weekend to the beginning of October.
Don, I agree with most of what you said. No disrespect to your life/hunting experiences but, there are areas in this country where the rut is in October (SE GA for example) and in January (most of central and south Alabama). I've even read that the rut in S.FL is in the spring and early summer. Not everyone who watches your videos has the Midwest as their hunting address. BTW, I've been watching UA-cam videos for years, but have never felt compelled to comment on a video - until this one. So, yes, you struck a nerve. Subscribed anyway.
I heard what you said. Im struggling this season. I liked your vid and I heard what you said about not seeing the buck doesnt mean they are not already there. Don't know how people missed that but that explains why they also are here is they aren't paying attention. Thanks for the tips
Kudos for being willing to tackle some controversial subjects head-on and probably ticking some folks off in the process. I agree completely with your assessments of #1 and #2. Those topics should be accepted scientific fact at this point. I also agree in large part with what you're saying in regards to #4, but I think there are likely some differences here in regards to Northern vs. Southern deer, especially in Southern herds where buck:doe ratios are way out of kilter in favor of does. As far as #3 goes, we run trail cameras year-round on our properties, and we either have "new" bucks arrive during the rut or existing bucks suddenly become visible to our cameras, because we definitely see a few bucks on our properties during November that we see at no other time of the year.
I guess that would be determined by his definition of "in the area". He stated that a buck could smell a hot doe nearly a mile away, but no new bucks just because of the rut. Seems like a contradiction.
Never hunted much disabled but i got 5 very small does coming out in fieldin evening behind my three story house north Georgia i sit with my screen of in top story 8 point buck ran thru wide open my uncle spooked him up own his property when crank tractor should i just stay own them young does or move to my bottoms to try find mature does
He'll be back if he's that close to houses he's used to being spooked around there in the houses he will be back the buck will come home to get his doe you'll get him good luck buddy
does location change the rut period? South Texas versus Northeast Texas. or Kansas versus South Texas? our deer season Duration and tag limits are different for South Texas. i think...what do you think? tks
Hey Don; great information! Question, when you hunt the Rut do you use a scent to attract bucks? If so, is there a type that you recommend? God bless brother. -JTF
I know I’m not Don - but listened to a lot of his podcasts. He doesn’t use any lures while hunting. He wants to leave as little impact as possible and focus on being in the right location. With that said for mock scrapes he likes Smokey’s Deer Lures. Hope that helps!
@@danielpifer9222 Thanks Daniel; I appreciate the input! I will be trying some decoys this year in a couple hay fields when the wind is right and didn't know if someone had a recommendation on what they feel would work best under a buck or doe decoy (obviously a scent specific to their gender). I have hunted a lot; just felt like using a decoy would be a new challenge. Good luck to all this season and God Bless -JTF
@@KyleC0430 Thanks Kyle! Is there a brand that you prefer? I thought about reviewing a few for my channel; but that's a lot of stinky scent and sit time I would rather use focused on hunting. I need to lean on the community for this one! Appreciate the response -JTF
@@JoeTheFarmer about any good brand you can find I’ve always had luck with some of the cheapest stuff just grabbing off shelf and just like last year got a big 9 point licking the branch I wiped my fingers off on turning off fire break to stand followed my path down fire break and stood there for a shot ! Works great
Does this apply to the southern states like alabama ? It seems that the rut down in these lower states like Alabama Mississippi and Georgia dont start till late December early January
Don, I tend to agree with your views on the 4 rut myths, but I do have a couple comments/clarifications based on what I’ve experienced. I spend most of my time hopping around the southern 2/3rds of Illinois hunting various chunks public/private ground. I’ve noticed that how much a buck travels during the rut is mostly dependent on terrain/structure of the land, availability of does, and individual personalities of bucks. The way I understand your property sits in East central IL, you’re basically on an island of cover, with a few fence rows and ditches. On this island, there are plenty of does, food, and cover, so you’re going to have a lot of homebodies. Then there are your bucks that tend to travel a lot more, and use those fence rows and ditches to travel checking does on various islands of cover. You’re probably better at capturing those roamers on camera than most people, so you’ll get their pictures year after year when they’re on the outskirts of their range. On different farms though, where cover is much more available all throughout that region, it’s much harder to capture those roamers on camera. You’re capturing deer on a treeline that’s 10 yards wide before it expands into a larger chunk of cover, but a lot of guys are trying to capture those roamers on 100 acres of thick honeysuckle choked timber without those small necked down pinchpoints. This is where “new” bucks come from. There’s just no way to cover all entry/exit routes into large, cover-rich farms, or even small farms in the midst of large tracts of cover. This is especially true in areas with vast expanses of river bottom timber with low-average numbers of does. Those types of areas are where bucks have to travel the most because they have to in order to find the does. Again, in my opinion, those 3 factors (terrain/structure, doe density, buck personality) affect how much and how often a mature buck travels during the rut.
THANK YOU! I think you just helped make my point that most of those bucks were there all along but just not seen/photographed. I am not saying that a "new" buck never wanders into an area but it doesnt happen near as often as many hunters think. I literally cannot remember the last buck ( 3 1/2 and older) I saw from a stand during the rut that I did not have a photo of. I also run cameras on a couple dozen properties and during the rut I rarely get a photo of a new buck. I get their photos in October so the were there before the rut started. There are more "new" bucks moving into areas in the late season than the rut and this is due to limited quality food sources.
I would say not true. Like he said in the video, does go into heat by the amount of daylight entering the eye. As days get shorter it triggers does to go into heat. All does in a single area get basically the same amount of sunlight a day.
Totally agree except I hunt a small area, 60 acres, run camera's all year, and know about every doe, buck & raccoon, and if them knew bucks we see during the Rut were there all along they had the greatest hiding place or just didn't move, Still loved hearing all your info, especially with experiance and background, Thanks.
Thanks, Don. I couldn't agree more. So many people see a buck (That is willing and able to breed pretty well all year long) bumping a doe around in early October and say It's On! No, it's not. Also, I am a moon believer, but what that moon does has nothing to do with the time of year that the does come in. It does have to do with the time of day the deer may move. That's where the moon factor comes into play. Other than that, give me Calendar, Weather, Moon, in that order of importance. If I have the first 2, I care not what the moon phase is.
Here’s a question..... here in WV bucks are chasing some and my wife killed her first buck with a crossbow a few weeks ago and he smelt some. Could the action start early? I have no idea, I’m just asking.
I’ve been telling the old timers I know for years that the rut has nothing to do with the moon phase. They don’t believe a word of it. Lol. Another good one that old Timers just won’t let go is that they think every clumped poop is from a buck and pellets are only from does. They say I’m crazy when I tell them it’s just not true!
I have noticed the rut seems to be the week of thanksgiving where I live here in Montana. Do you see a different rut time in areas of the US? I strive to learn as much as I can and hunt the rut. I love calling and hunting the rut.
Great video. However, down here in Jackson county Texas the bucks are full blown chasing the does the second week of October. I bow hunt here and I see it year after year. It can be 100 degrees outside and they are grunting, fighting, chasing and I assume breeding.
So,,am i to understand that my rut tactic are good all through the second half of the season ?? Not that my rut tactics are any good but i should keep ttying ?
Excellent info, can't argue with a man's experience. But I swear, I don't look forward to the rut any more than any other part of deer season. In fact, it's my least favorite time. During rut a buck's behavior becomes 100% unpredictable. Since I can't control when the does come into estrus, I cannot plan for anything. I love the early season when the deer are still in their summer patterns, and then my absolute favorite time is post rut, when the bucks come back together and the priority returns to FOOD. I can scout that; plan for it; anticipate. Rut? It's just too random. Get in the woods and hope you're in the right spot for the action. Of course I hunt public land where I have ZERO control over anything. If I had food plots and bait piles and could keep pressure low I'd probably feel otherwise.
Your dead on about the rut! Everything you’ve described I’ve seen from Pa to Montana. Thank u for confirming what I’ve known and witnessed since the late 60’s when I started hunting
Great talk. I always thought the first good cold snap in November triggered the rut. But in researching it seems that most agree it occurs on or near the same day every year for a particular doe. You mentioned bucks stay in the same area and you never see a new buck show up during the rut. But then you mentioned bucks can smell a hot doe 1 mile away. Are you saying a buck's range is 1 mile, or that if a doe is available that bucks will travel?
Sorry but fetal and telemetry studies don't lie, does are bred from Sept through Jan and even later in some southern areas. And some bucks absolutely relocate in Fall. I dont think it's high #s but there are some. I think the fact that you live and hunt in a managed high ag state gives you your observations but I dont believe its law across whitetail ranges.
Exactly! Not everyone has that luxury of the first and second week of November for the rut. Especially hunting in the south. Hell, we have 6 different ruts here in Barbour county Alabama.
@@chasinggiantswithhigginsou6147 just don't classify the RUT being in the first couple of weeks in November. Specify your location and surrounding areas before you assume that everyone that hunts whitetail in North America has to go by that standard. Assuming they watch your video being from other locations and listen to your advice on November RUT only to be miss informed and unsuccessful. And yes we do have 6 ruts or more. The Estrus cycle of a doe wanting to breed is classified to Bucks is the RUT! So with our WIDE range of does going into the estrus breeding cycle, we do have at least 6 different RUTS! It's messed up here but it's the truth.
@@gotmilk4382 we are going to have to agree to disagree. There is only one rut. A doe can have multiple heat cycles but there is one breeding season although granted it may be spread out over a longer time period in some regions
My thoughts exactly! I run cameras and I do not see "new" bucks come in the area, just bucks that have been there become more active in daylight. I know this because I run cameras year around.
I really enjoyed your videos I've been very lucky in my life to harvest some mature bucks. Hunting every day time on stands but no matter how much time I hunt. I have come up what nothing. I'm 59 years old and I know I make mistakes im human. My question is in terms first part of December why am I seeing more mature buck sign . Thanks again for your video
I'd like to know in what state he observed his deer breeding? I've hunted Northern Michigan most of my life, and I have seen a lot of breeding at the end of October! Granted yes the breeding does get more aggressive in the middle of November, but I have seen it more than 3 dozen times. Over the more than 45 yr's I've been hunting Whitetails.
I'm in northern Minnesota, our daylight is shorter in October than even the southern half of the state. Based upon accent I would venture a guess this gentleman is considerably further south so during October his day lengths should be longer..... what do you think? Fair hypothesis? (My experience has been the same as yours👍🏻. I've been hunting for about 35 years in Minnesota and I think it's difficult to compare our northern experience to someone in the south and that difference gets amplified the future north into Canada you venture the rut tends to be fast and furious in my experience...... perhaps do to our more extreme swings in daylight?)
Hey Don, again Thank you for your knowledge,, and this video. I'm a realist if that even means anything lol, but I believe in experience that lead to Facts ,plain and Simple , loved the information,and learned more then I knew 5 minutes ago !! Big Fan Don ,I believe God blessed me this weekend in finding your channel on uTube. Outstanding information your putting out!!
Good video and I can tell you believe what you say. Your based in Illinois so length of daylight will be at a different period here in Georgia. Mating here takes place in October and November. The age of does will play a factor as to when they come into estrus especially there first year after that it stabilizes. Young bucks will seek new territory and all bucks will cross into others territory when there in full rut they can't help themselves. Im 60 and have been hunting for a minute or two and the one revelation I've come to believe 100 percent of the time is...when I think I got it all figured out nature let's me know I dont. I rely on a lifetime of experience, patience and a large piece of pie worth of luck. Good hunting to all and please be safe.
Agreed that there is one rut and it begins same time every year. But, the bucks will follow an estrus urine trail well outside the rut, before or after. I have watched a buck follow my trail from scenting my boots with estrus pee in mid December. I'd say right to my stand but he never made it that far. Just because it's not the rut yet or it's already over does not mean estrus urine is not an effective tool. It may not be rut anymore, but those bucks that find an estrus trail outside of the rut are going to follow it just in case. So, I'm just curious when do you start using estrus scent? Do you think it can be too early or too late to use estrus urine? I love your channel!
If it worked for you then I wouldnt worry about any one else’s opinion! If you shot a buck in December trailing your boots then try again sure it will work again
@@KyleC0430 Not worried about it and plan to keep doing it but I do respect the input from someone with Don's experience what ever his opinion. I take it and put it in the mix. I'm never too old to learn something. I might adjust my technique a tad.
This stuff is correct except for the new buck thing, I hunt on a river and run around 12 cell cameras and I always have tons of new bucks show up that were not there in late summer early fall period end of story. What he is saying about timing is absolutely correct I have noted what days I see the most ruttinf action and every year on those days regardless of the weather I will see very similar action. I used to think that weather had to do with it (if it was a warm fall the rut would be later, verses a cooler fall would be earlier) but I have since learned that is dead wrong, and this day length trigger explains that. Awesome video sir!
I am curious,I had a couple hours to hunt one after noon after work. I ran out to this area i never really hunted,I walked through it 1 time with my dad. I made a mental note. It was 3-4 years after that.i ran out on the quad,walked in stuck some scent on some tampons hung then in some trees the wind was moving from the west to the east. I sat down under a tree in about 5 minutes I heard a twig snap,I dismissed it.another minute or 2 I heard another.i was sitting indian style with the rifle in my lap,I thought I better get ready.i grabbed my rifle just. As I looked to the left(down wind of the scent line),I saw a deer not running but not walking head down.i was looking for antler through the grass as soon as I saw bone,I shouldered the rifle. The deer hit the brakes and looked right at me it was a 4x4 I took the shot and now have a nice euro and had some tasty venison. This was like the first week of november.his neck did not seem swollen.the scent I was using was called 180 day estrus. Is a buck ready to breed when ever he smells a doe in heat? He was definitely cruising looking for the doe.but I thought it was a little early. Or was it simply the right place and the right time?
Do you think being a “captive” herd affected timing of things ? do you think a wild herd acts differently ? or maybe effects the does going into heat at diff times
Great info thank you , I don’t understand how you can hunt everyday in November for 25 years . Once we kill a deer our hunting is over due to tag limit
I'm jealous too..I love to hunt the whole month..but I really glad you laid it out ..def answered several of my questions..thx.. buddy....good luck to you too
Thank you for taking the time to set the record straight. There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20-15. As for myself I choose to listen and learn from your decades of experience. Thank you again.
Don't really know how I found you, but I love that you're a no BS kinda guy. Very rare to find these days with guys who run outdoor channels. Just an ole woodsman that calls it how he sees it. Would love more videos on hunting winds that are favorable to the buck, and how they behave in those winds. I think I'm really starting to wrap my head around it.
Simple just move down to bucks entering and exit spot if he’s working the wind and from Halloween through November just hunt the buck because he ain’t worried about but one thing ! Pretty simple I’d say there Leroy
@@KyleC0430 I don't care what anybody says the mature bucks really mature bucks always use the wind I don't care how rut crazy they are
@@danielmcbride4828 hey nobody saying that’s not true but I’m not going to not hunt due to any wind and it’s never stopped me from killing that mature buck! He always messes up and I’m there so basically saying hunt just hunt don’t get to technical with it
I may not agree with everything you have stated but it's valuable to me as a hunter to be aware of all of the theories. Thank you for taking to time to share this information.
Great info Don, I’m sixty and been hunting since I was 13, I’ve seen a lot, believed a lot, and I’ve found doubt in a lot of theories, 40 yrs of experience debunks theories! Anything can happen in the wild, can’t control nature, there will be freakish things happen but for the most part everything will fall as nature calls
Pineal gland... photosensitivity... BEST and most reasonable logic I've ever heard for does going into heat.
Dang maaaan... wish I could have watched this about 10 years ago.!!
Keep up the great work.!!!
The thing that I hated about this video is that Don is able to hunt every day in November and I can't. So jealous.
I just hunted 5 days straight and I can’t hardly move. How does one hunt every day in November? Physically?
so do i, you have to decide whats important, when i was younger i used to quit my job every year on opening day of deer season, then have to find a new job as soon as it was over, so 12 or so years ago i started my business because work was getting in the way of my hunting and fishing time :)
Lol same
Luke G i hunted 4 days of dark to dark sits. In a blind in a $5 academy chair. And a $5 stool. Used the stool for a foot prop and had a recliner out there and just sat and listened for days
@@yourmomma2995 you to hu? I thought i was the only person that did that lol.i literly quit my jib every year from tbe age of 16-my 20's.im now 43 & pissed off i cant quit or ill loose it all.keeps me in the woods longer though on my days off "sat-sun" ill hunt dayligjt til dark during this time of the year.but yea i feel ya.
I believe bucks roam to different areas to find does, been hunting deer for 42 years myself
yessir
Same bro
I hunted 8 years and I find new bucks in the rout
Giant 180" buck shot near me on public, guy had trail cam pics of him all summer and early fall 8 miles away...
I agree with everything he says except the range of rutting bucks. There is no 2nd rut 100%. If a rutting buck can smell 1 mile what makes him think that buck wouldn’t travel that far for a piece
Absolutely Fantastic!!! Finally answering questions I had for years, From a truthful experienced hunter and deer farm!! I thank you!!!
Well from a man with that experience ,,I'll take your word for it over others who think they are pros ,,,,,thanks for the info
You seem to rely too heavily on one opinion w/o knowing either "pro". 42 yrs. of hunting is a lot of experience. I've been deer hunting for 61 years and I've too many people who have a small percentage of my experiences and think they are "pros". Not so. This dude just has a larger audience with his UA-cam vid.
Question, I hear so much about the November rut. In Alabama I have not seen the rut in November, ever. We are still waiting for it, showing signs of the next week or so of it happening. How much can the rut vary from different portions of the U.S? Maybe a video with what you have learned would be awesome! Great videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge
Since the rut is based on photoperiod, and since Alabama is deep south, the shortening/lengthening of days there is less pronounced than up north. Thus the rut in Alabama could happen later in November or in December, when the shorter days are more comparable to up north. Regardless of where you are in the northern hemisphere, the shortest day of the year is always within a day of Dec. 21, but the closer you are to the equator, the less pronounced the shortening/lengthening is.
Priceless video! And couldn’t agree more! Thank-you for sharing your knowledge.
I agree with most of this with the exception of finding new bucks on your properties during the rut. We have historically found "new" bucks that were never seen before. This is probably a function of the fact that our property is on the edge of his home range and that he is moving more within that home range in early November. We co-op manage about 1,500 acres in Upstate NY that is mostly farmland with small wood blocks and creek bottoms. If the bucks are bedding on our properties we generally find them. The "new" bucks we see are often on camera several hours after nightfall and the assumption is they travelled far that night. I will say that bucks we observe change their bedding areas happen late season based on food and the fact that they seem willing to bed in closer proximity to does that they are not willing to during peak breeding. We also assume that some of that movement is the result of hunting pressure from neighboring properties.
Great content, fresh takes, good stuff Don. Nice to see someone not regurgitating others info but info gleaned from years of experience. Thanks man
Bonus bucks
Great video Don! I take the same week each year off from work (the week before NY firearm season) and have done this for over 30 years and the rut activity is always very active that week and given me many opportunities at harvesting bucks with a bow. I used to follow the moon phase but it was never accurate. I also keep a close eye on storm fronts as this appear to increase deer activity, especially cold fronts. Thanks for sharing this info.
Good common sense information presented in a professional manner. I agree with you 100% even though I was the Hunter that only got weekends to hunt in the past I am now retired and spend as much time in the woods. Every year I learn more about whitetails and their habits from personal experience and enjoy every minute. Thank you.
Just walked outside yoteys sounding everywhere think differently than I did 25 yes ago
Everything sounds legit except for the new bucks moving in, in my opinion. We hunt a small piece of property and usually don’t get good bucks on the cameras until the rut comes around.
Average range for whitetail deer is 4000 acres that covers many farms in most cases so it's not unusual to not see bucks you've been seeing or see more bucks wants the chasing kicks in
I agree. A guy killed a huge buck next door to our farm in rut and another guy from a farm a mile away has that same deer on a trail camera.
I believe they've tagged them and observed bucks moving huge distances during the rut.
It also depends on buck to doe ratios and how aggressive the local dominant buck is ass well.
@@chrisfenimore8662 Must be in Texas.... Home ranges of whitetail bucks in excellent habitat with plenty of food available can be quite small. GPS studies in prime areas of Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Maryland have shown home ranges averaging from 269 to 559 acres; not even as much as a square mile (640 acres).
Regarding #3, I'd suggest that you may see new bucks from pressured areas. ie they get pushed out and look for someplace safer.
Great video
Well, whether a 2nd rut or a prolong rut, is seen in my area of the country. I notice that chasing activity is the strongest usually the last 2weeks of November and sometimes into the 1st week of December. But then, the last week of December into the 1st week of January some years you see chasing activity start again. This to me explain why you see small fawns into June where you see larger fawns earlier in the year around April/May. But I do respect your observations and experiences on the subject.
I SURE appreciate all your seasoned experience and advice. Hoping for a great first season on my new purchased land in Andalusia Alabama. Loads of does and a big group of beautiful young bucks on camera for future hunts years from now . I'm sure there are big boys near by as well.
I hunt property in Louisiana along the Mississippi River where there is a late December rut. I bow to your experience certainly, just some things in this part of the country are a located a little differently on the calendar. Great video.
Exactly. Different climates cause different ruts. Here in Florida, the deer rut starts in July down in the southern part of the state and runs through February in the northern parts of the state.
100% accurate. I hunt in richland parish and can vouch there is a 2nd rut.
Great video. I agree that moon phase doesn’t impact the timing of the rut. To me it seems it can have an effect on our perception of the rut by influencing deer movement. Certain moon phases may cause deer patterns to change, most deer sightings happen around dawn and dusk. If their feeding patterns are effected by moon phase they may not be seen by hunters prior to dark heading to feed or early in the morning going back to bed down. I’ll bowhunt as often and sit as long as I can from the last week of October to the Wisconsin gun season opener which is the third weekend in November. From year to year the rut activity seems to change. Some years it’s very short and intense a I will only see 7-10 days of bucks seeking and chasing does. Other years it seems to last for an entire month and we will still have bucks chasing at the end of November during gun season. Last year it seemed to be non existent. Little to no sightings of chasing or solo bucks seeking receptive does. Of course other factors will impact deer activity such as hunting pressure and weather readily available food sources, possibly even moon phases. No matter what the rut in the area I hunt happens the same time every year. End of October starts the pre rut. Buck activity picks up. I see mostly bucks moving solo , searching for the first receptive does. I’ve had my best luck during this time frame still early morning and late evening. First week in November I’ll start to see young bucks chasing and bigger bucks now pairing up with does. Second week in November activity seems to taper off. I feel like a few does have already been bread but the majority are now coming into heat. Bucks don’t have to cover the same amount of ground to find a receptive doe. If they doe isn’t quite ready they will lock down together and wait. This happens through the end of November here in southern Wisconsin. Of course it will very depending on your location. I see newborn fawns every year around the same time. Mostly end of May- middle of June.
Great video backed up by 40 years of experience. I gotta agree with you. I have also been bow hunting for the last 48 years and have been lucky to harvest a few hundred Whitetails due to some Suburban reduction programs. I love to hear all of the other guys with their theories, the Moon, the cold , the snow , But I always see the rut start the first week of November typically November 3 rd and on here in the NorthEast. So that thats my take and it seems to fall in line with your interpretation and you have much more first hand experience raising deer..
Great video!! Based on everything I know, it sounds like everything you expressed in this video is backed solidly by science! And your first hand experience. Loving your videos! Third one I've watched, I believe. Great, no bs, to the point, content!
I’ve had a target buck killed 5 miles from his core area in November. It hurt but he went through a hell of a terrain obstacle to die for that doe. Now keep in mind I’ve always hunted 100 acre parcels. Never a large 5 mile parcel to observe this. But I’d say you are correct. Thanks for the no bs videos. I learn a lot from you.
May have chased the same doe that far.
Very good video ! I like your no BS style and agree with everything you said except the buck traveling thing. We plant quite a few acres of good food plots and they draw the does , especially late in the season .As you stated a buck can sent a hot doe a Long way off and I believe they do draw bucks that don't normally use our property. JMO. Keep up the good videos ! PS, This is my 60th year deer hunting, Thank GOD !
Didn't ruffle my feathers but this great info for the Midwest. But in GA it doesn't work like that. And that comes from first hand experience hunting super thick planted pines for 30 years.
Don't have feathers, and have heard more deer info than quaker makes oats, doesn't work like that in northern half of Ms. either, 20 yrs. ago or so, saw a fully spotted fawn in late Nov, [no fallow deer] . Been deer hunting for 56 yrs. and a "few" have gone down by arrow, smoke pole, rifle, shot gun, crossbow. A deer is a deer they do deer stuff, everything wants to survive, later breeding happens. [here anyway maybe it's a southern thing]
Great video with lots of knowledge, but I can relate , Them South GA deer do be switching it up a lot don’t they lol 😂😂
@@vasquezisai5506 heck yeah they do. They might be rutting like crazy here and go one county over and it's like all the bucks are gay and could care less about a doe. We just kinda wing it and hope for the best
Just saw this for the first time. I’m from Georgia too and in my 50 years of hunting I’d conclude the rut is over by the second week of November. Pre rut/ chasing is generally during bow season which is in my opinion, the best time to see bucks. Not disputing what he sees but it is definitely different in other areas of the country.
Totally agree, I've always said when we roll back the clock, day light savings stimulate the the doe to come in to heat!!!! I was told years ago , from a deer breeder how they stimulate the does to come in to heat is putting them in a day light and temperature control barns to get the estrus pee.I started paying close attention to the time of year and while hunting watching the activity on the farms I was hunting. I Totally AGREE Day Lights Saving ,is the trigger!!!! Thanks 👍 Great Video!!!
Would buck to doe ratio's effect if those hot does are getting bread in that first couple weeks? Where I live we have a LOT of does.
Do you have a video on the Lull and your opinion on it? Would LOVE to hear your opinion on the subject.
Thanks for the great info! I'm kind of a new hunter and I hear all kinds of theories and advice. They tend to contradict or vary each other. I listen to everything but go with the people having the greatest successes and experience. Very glad I found this video.
First hand experience is the best experience! Great video Don! Keep them coming!
Well spoken my friend I learned something, I did not know that a deer could not be bred until it came to a certain weight fawns.
Thank you for all of this information. I agree with most of it with the exception of the "new" buck theory. I wanted to add pictures. We lease about 2000 acres total and had trail cam photos of a split brow 9 pt on our property last year and the buck was killed a few miles down the rd.
I have only 40 acres and for the past 5 years, 3 of the years a new buck came during rut. Maybe coincidence, may not be
I agree and trust your opinion, I’ve been hunting Deer for 35years...I’m sure you have more time with Deer than I ever have. Thanks for the info. Ont, Canada!
I have a large doe in my area that I've seen every month of the year for 2 years now. I watched her on May 23rd 2020 when she was very pregnant. I talked to another person in the middle of June & asked them if they had seen her recently since I hadn't. They said the week b4 Memorial day was their last sighting. She had twins I'm sure of b4 the end of May. If u do the math that's six months & roughly an additional 2 weeks the gestation period of a doe which coincides to the dates that Don gave. I have witnessed for 30 years or more that there is always a doe in heat up here in MN on November 10th. The amount of daylight is the only fact u can pin on that date. Usually the sundown time on November 10th is 4:50 CDT. This year it was November 9th.
One other thing I have observed on many different places in my area is around that time that a mature doe will leave her fawns with a subordinate doe & search out a real suitor when she feels that she is about ready to be bred. They act differently & will be alone. I watched a doe last year do this on an evening u wouldn't expect to see a deer weather wise. However it was November 10th & all bets r off when it comes to weather or moon phases.
Finally a reasonable explanation for those very late fawns. Can say that I’ve seen a very small doe being literally tailed by a very large buck. Great presentation.
thanks Don ... great info .... please ... what is the make / pattern of the camo coat you're wearing ? thank you
Vengeance camo
It is a new camo that will be available soon - Vengeance Camo
I believe everything you said is true...for your area. In the coastal plain area in Texas (south of El Campo) where I hunt on an MLD lease, the state biologist has told us that based on newborn fawn sightings in the spring translate to the primary rut in our area being late September/early October. This agrees with what we se in the field as our season starts the closest weekend to the beginning of October.
Don, I agree with most of what you said. No disrespect to your life/hunting experiences but, there are areas in this country where the rut is in October (SE GA for example) and in January (most of central and south Alabama). I've even read that the rut in S.FL is in the spring and early summer. Not everyone who watches your videos has the Midwest as their hunting address.
BTW, I've been watching UA-cam videos for years, but have never felt compelled to comment on a video - until this one. So, yes, you struck a nerve. Subscribed anyway.
Jason, I dont disagree with what you are saying but there is only 1 rut per year and in your area it is more prolonged than in mine
Same here in southern Arkansas.
What is the name of the camo pattern of the jacket you are wearing? It looks amazing
Wondering the same
Vengeance camo . I can't figure out where to find it but I think their made outta canada
It is a new camo that will be available soon - Vengeance Camo
I heard what you said. Im struggling this season. I liked your vid and I heard what you said about not seeing the buck doesnt mean they are not already there. Don't know how people missed that but that explains why they also are here is they aren't paying attention. Thanks for the tips
Great information. I’m relatively new to hunting and I need all the help I can get. Thank you. 🦌
Kudos for being willing to tackle some controversial subjects head-on and probably ticking some folks off in the process. I agree completely with your assessments of #1 and #2. Those topics should be accepted scientific fact at this point. I also agree in large part with what you're saying in regards to #4, but I think there are likely some differences here in regards to Northern vs. Southern deer, especially in Southern herds where buck:doe ratios are way out of kilter in favor of does. As far as #3 goes, we run trail cameras year-round on our properties, and we either have "new" bucks arrive during the rut or existing bucks suddenly become visible to our cameras, because we definitely see a few bucks on our properties during November that we see at no other time of the year.
I guess that would be determined by his definition of "in the area". He stated that a buck could smell a hot doe nearly a mile away, but no new bucks just because of the rut. Seems like a contradiction.
Never hunted much disabled but i got 5 very small does coming out in fieldin evening behind my three story house north Georgia i sit with my screen of in top story 8 point buck ran thru wide open my uncle spooked him up own his property when crank tractor should i just stay own them young does or move to my bottoms to try find mature does
He'll be back if he's that close to houses he's used to being spooked around there in the houses he will be back the buck will come home to get his doe you'll get him good luck buddy
This is all very interesting. This guys resume is impressive. Hard to argue with that amount of first hand experience.
does location change the rut period? South Texas versus Northeast Texas. or Kansas versus South Texas? our deer season Duration and tag limits are different for South Texas. i think...what do you think? tks
Hey Don; great information! Question, when you hunt the Rut do you use a scent to attract bucks? If so, is there a type that you recommend?
God bless brother.
-JTF
I know I’m not Don - but listened to a lot of his podcasts. He doesn’t use any lures while hunting. He wants to leave as little impact as possible and focus on being in the right location.
With that said for mock scrapes he likes Smokey’s Deer Lures.
Hope that helps!
Dominant buck every time
@@danielpifer9222 Thanks Daniel; I appreciate the input! I will be trying some decoys this year in a couple hay fields when the wind is right and didn't know if someone had a recommendation on what they feel would work best under a buck or doe decoy (obviously a scent specific to their gender). I have hunted a lot; just felt like using a decoy would be a new challenge.
Good luck to all this season and God Bless
-JTF
@@KyleC0430 Thanks Kyle! Is there a brand that you prefer? I thought about reviewing a few for my channel; but that's a lot of stinky scent and sit time I would rather use focused on hunting. I need to lean on the community for this one!
Appreciate the response
-JTF
@@JoeTheFarmer about any good brand you can find I’ve always had luck with some of the cheapest stuff just grabbing off shelf and just like last year got a big 9 point licking the branch I wiped my fingers off on turning off fire break to stand followed my path down fire break and stood there for a shot ! Works great
Does this apply to the southern states like alabama ? It seems that the rut down in these lower states like Alabama Mississippi and Georgia dont start till late December early January
Is that pretty much consistent from upstate New York to South Texas?
That is in regards to the Midwest
Do you think that is pretty standard across the US for when the rut starts or do you think it varies from state to state?
What camo pattern is that jacket? Where can I get it? Thanks for the video!
What camo is that? I have been looking for something like it for a while.
Vengeance camo. It will be available soon
56 and a first time hunter, thanks for the information!
Is this real?
Don,
I tend to agree with your views on the 4 rut myths, but I do have a couple comments/clarifications based on what I’ve experienced.
I spend most of my time hopping around the southern 2/3rds of Illinois hunting various chunks public/private ground. I’ve noticed that how much a buck travels during the rut is mostly dependent on terrain/structure of the land, availability of does, and individual personalities of bucks.
The way I understand your property sits in East central IL, you’re basically on an island of cover, with a few fence rows and ditches. On this island, there are plenty of does, food, and cover, so you’re going to have a lot of homebodies. Then there are your bucks that tend to travel a lot more, and use those fence rows and ditches to travel checking does on various islands of cover. You’re probably better at capturing those roamers on camera than most people, so you’ll get their pictures year after year when they’re on the outskirts of their range.
On different farms though, where cover is much more available all throughout that region, it’s much harder to capture those roamers on camera. You’re capturing deer on a treeline that’s 10 yards wide before it expands into a larger chunk of cover, but a lot of guys are trying to capture those roamers on 100 acres of thick honeysuckle choked timber without those small necked down pinchpoints.
This is where “new” bucks come from. There’s just no way to cover all entry/exit routes into large, cover-rich farms, or even small farms in the midst of large tracts of cover. This is especially true in areas with vast expanses of river bottom timber with low-average numbers of does. Those types of areas are where bucks have to travel the most because they have to in order to find the does.
Again, in my opinion, those 3 factors (terrain/structure, doe density, buck personality) affect how much and how often a mature buck travels during the rut.
THANK YOU! I think you just helped make my point that most of those bucks were there all along but just not seen/photographed. I am not saying that a "new" buck never wanders into an area but it doesnt happen near as often as many hunters think. I literally cannot remember the last buck ( 3 1/2 and older) I saw from a stand during the rut that I did not have a photo of. I also run cameras on a couple dozen properties and during the rut I rarely get a photo of a new buck. I get their photos in October so the were there before the rut started. There are more "new" bucks moving into areas in the late season than the rut and this is due to limited quality food sources.
I've heard and read somewhere that in any given area only about 10% of the does come in season at the same time, I'd like to hear your point of view
I would say not true. Like he said in the video, does go into heat by the amount of daylight entering the eye. As days get shorter it triggers does to go into heat. All does in a single area get basically the same amount of sunlight a day.
I would say at least 80% of does get bred in a 3-week period in mid November in my area
Does the moon phase (solunar table) have any effect on the deer
Totally agree except I hunt a small area, 60 acres, run camera's all year, and know about every doe, buck & raccoon, and if them knew bucks we see during the Rut were there all along they had the greatest hiding place or just didn't move, Still loved hearing all your info, especially with experiance and background, Thanks.
Great info, thanks for sharing! the best of us know how the rut actually works in reality. looking forward to more content and advice.
Thanks, Don. I couldn't agree more. So many people see a buck (That is willing and able to breed pretty well all year long) bumping a doe around in early October and say It's On! No, it's not. Also, I am a moon believer, but what that moon does has nothing to do with the time of year that the does come in. It does have to do with the time of day the deer may move. That's where the moon factor comes into play. Other than that, give me Calendar, Weather, Moon, in that order of importance. If I have the first 2, I care not what the moon phase is.
I appreciate your experience and wisdom regarding the rut, good information. Thank you.
Very informative, thank you for making this video. I've been bow hunting for 30 yes and always thought there was a 2nd rut.
As always, top notch information and thanks for giving it.
Here’s a question..... here in WV bucks are chasing some and my wife killed her first buck with a crossbow a few weeks ago and he smelt some. Could the action start early? I have no idea, I’m just asking.
How many of the fawns dropped by late bred doe fawns make it to recruitment vs. dying compared to fawns dropped on schedule?
Good question that I dont have an answer for
I’ve been telling the old timers I know for years that the rut has nothing to do with the moon phase. They don’t believe a word of it. Lol.
Another good one that old Timers just won’t let go is that they think every clumped poop is from a buck and pellets are only from does. They say I’m crazy when I tell them it’s just not true!
What kind of camo is that jacket?
It is a new camo that will be available soon - Vengeance Camo
I like it.
I have noticed the rut seems to be the week of thanksgiving where I live here in Montana. Do you see a different rut time in areas of the US? I strive to learn as much as I can and hunt the rut. I love calling and hunting the rut.
rut definitely varies from one region to another
What is the gestation period of a whitetail deer?
Great video. However, down here in Jackson county Texas the bucks are full blown chasing the does the second week of October. I bow hunt here and I see it year after year. It can be 100 degrees outside and they are grunting, fighting, chasing and I assume breeding.
So,,am i to understand that my rut tactic are good all through the second half of the season ?? Not that my rut tactics are any good but i should keep ttying ?
16:14 is accurate for western Kentucky , every picture I have of a doe getting bred in January has been a yearling doe so far , over 10 years of pics
That makes sense to me! Thanks for the knowledge.
Great video, thanks for sharing your information, nice to hear from someone who is the real deal instead of armchair hunters.
Cheers 🍻
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Does the Rut change any from being in different parts of the country you hut in?
it does
@@jma8924
I hunt in south Ga
i don't know when rut is in south Ga
Thanks for your wonderful experience.
Excellent info, can't argue with a man's experience. But I swear, I don't look forward to the rut any more than any other part of deer season. In fact, it's my least favorite time. During rut a buck's behavior becomes 100% unpredictable. Since I can't control when the does come into estrus, I cannot plan for anything. I love the early season when the deer are still in their summer patterns, and then my absolute favorite time is post rut, when the bucks come back together and the priority returns to FOOD. I can scout that; plan for it; anticipate. Rut? It's just too random. Get in the woods and hope you're in the right spot for the action. Of course I hunt public land where I have ZERO control over anything. If I had food plots and bait piles and could keep pressure low I'd probably feel otherwise.
Your dead on about the rut! Everything you’ve described I’ve seen from Pa to Montana. Thank u for confirming what I’ve known and witnessed since the late 60’s when I started hunting
Great talk. I always thought the first good cold snap in November triggered the rut. But in researching it seems that most agree it occurs on or near the same day every year for a particular doe. You mentioned bucks stay in the same area and you never see a new buck show up during the rut. But then you mentioned bucks can smell a hot doe 1 mile away. Are you saying a buck's range is 1 mile, or that if a doe is available that bucks will travel?
Sorry but fetal and telemetry studies don't lie, does are bred from Sept through Jan and even later in some southern areas. And some bucks absolutely relocate in Fall. I dont think it's high #s but there are some. I think the fact that you live and hunt in a managed high ag state gives you your observations but I dont believe its law across whitetail ranges.
Exactly! Not everyone has that luxury of the first and second week of November for the rut. Especially hunting in the south. Hell, we have 6 different ruts here in Barbour county Alabama.
@@gotmilk4382 you have one rut that is spread out over a longer period, not 6 different ruts
I never said bucks dont relocate in the fall
@@chasinggiantswithhigginsou6147 just don't classify the RUT being in the first couple of weeks in November. Specify your location and surrounding areas before you assume that everyone that hunts whitetail in North America has to go by that standard. Assuming they watch your video being from other locations and listen to your advice on November RUT only to be miss informed and unsuccessful. And yes we do have 6 ruts or more. The Estrus cycle of a doe wanting to breed is classified to Bucks is the RUT! So with our WIDE range of does going into the estrus breeding cycle, we do have at least 6 different RUTS! It's messed up here but it's the truth.
@@gotmilk4382 we are going to have to agree to disagree. There is only one rut. A doe can have multiple heat cycles but there is one breeding season although granted it may be spread out over a longer time period in some regions
My thoughts exactly! I run cameras and I do not see "new" bucks come in the area, just bucks that have been there become more active in daylight. I know this because I run cameras year around.
I really enjoyed your videos I've been very lucky in my life to harvest some mature bucks. Hunting every day time on stands but no matter how much time I hunt. I have come up what nothing. I'm 59 years old and I know I make mistakes im human. My question is in terms first part of December why am I seeing more mature buck sign . Thanks again for your video
What’s the brand of jacket you’re wearing? Love the videos. Keep em comin.
I'd like to know in what state he observed his deer breeding? I've hunted Northern Michigan most of my life, and I have seen a lot of breeding at the end of October! Granted yes the breeding does get more aggressive in the middle of November, but I have seen it more than 3 dozen times. Over the more than 45 yr's I've been hunting Whitetails.
I'm in northern Minnesota, our daylight is shorter in October than even the southern half of the state. Based upon accent I would venture a guess this gentleman is considerably further south so during October his day lengths should be longer..... what do you think? Fair hypothesis? (My experience has been the same as yours👍🏻. I've been hunting for about 35 years in Minnesota and I think it's difficult to compare our northern experience to someone in the south and that difference gets amplified the future north into Canada you venture the rut tends to be fast and furious in my experience...... perhaps do to our more extreme swings in daylight?)
Another good informative video Don. Keep them coming.
Hey Don, again Thank you for your knowledge,, and this video. I'm a realist if that even means anything lol, but I believe in experience that lead to Facts ,plain and Simple , loved the information,and learned more then I knew 5 minutes ago !! Big Fan Don ,I believe God blessed me this weekend in finding your channel on uTube. Outstanding information your putting out!!
Good video and I can tell you believe what you say. Your based in Illinois so length of daylight will be at a different period here in Georgia. Mating here takes place in October and November. The age of does will play a factor as to when they come into estrus especially there first year after that it stabilizes. Young bucks will seek new territory and all bucks will cross into others territory when there in full rut they can't help themselves. Im 60 and have been hunting for a minute or two and the one revelation I've come to believe 100 percent of the time is...when I think I got it all figured out nature let's me know I dont. I rely on a lifetime of experience, patience and a large piece of pie worth of luck. Good hunting to all and please be safe.
So , if those doe, fawns get bred in jan. WILL THEY not continue to be bred around that date?
Thank you for the straight forward information. I have been learning about deer since I first hunted them in 1975.
Agreed that there is one rut and it begins same time every year. But, the bucks will follow an estrus urine trail well outside the rut, before or after. I have watched a buck follow my trail from scenting my boots with estrus pee in mid December. I'd say right to my stand but he never made it that far. Just because it's not the rut yet or it's already over does not mean estrus urine is not an effective tool. It may not be rut anymore, but those bucks that find an estrus trail outside of the rut are going to follow it just in case. So, I'm just curious when do you start using estrus scent? Do you think it can be too early or too late to use estrus urine? I love your channel!
If it worked for you then I wouldnt worry about any one else’s opinion! If you shot a buck in December trailing your boots then try again sure it will work again
@@KyleC0430 Not worried about it and plan to keep doing it but I do respect the input from someone with Don's experience what ever his opinion. I take it and put it in the mix. I'm never too old to learn something. I might adjust my technique a tad.
I dont use estrous scents
@@chasinggiantswithhigginsou6147 Why not?
@@azycray4801 I dont think it works 99% of the time and probably does more to alert MATURE bucks than it attracts. Just my opinion
This stuff is correct except for the new buck thing, I hunt on a river and run around 12 cell cameras and I always have tons of new bucks show up that were not there in late summer early fall period end of story. What he is saying about timing is absolutely correct I have noted what days I see the most ruttinf action and every year on those days regardless of the weather I will see very similar action. I used to think that weather had to do with it (if it was a warm fall the rut would be later, verses a cooler fall would be earlier) but I have since learned that is dead wrong, and this day length trigger explains that. Awesome video sir!
Sounds good. The bucks im seeing only come in to feed at night or 5 in morning.
I am curious,I had a couple hours to hunt one after noon after work. I ran out to this area i never really hunted,I walked through it 1 time with my dad. I made a mental note. It was 3-4 years after that.i ran out on the quad,walked in stuck some scent on some tampons hung then in some trees the wind was moving from the west to the east. I sat down under a tree in about 5 minutes I heard a twig snap,I dismissed it.another minute or 2 I heard another.i was sitting indian style with the rifle in my lap,I thought I better get ready.i grabbed my rifle just. As I looked to the left(down wind of the scent line),I saw a deer not running but not walking head down.i was looking for antler through the grass as soon as I saw bone,I shouldered the rifle. The deer hit the brakes and looked right at me it was a 4x4 I took the shot and now have a nice euro and had some tasty venison. This was like the first week of november.his neck did not seem swollen.the scent I was using was called 180 day estrus. Is a buck ready to breed when ever he smells a doe in heat? He was definitely cruising looking for the doe.but I thought it was a little early. Or was it simply the right place and the right time?
probably both
Thank you for explaining about the amount of light that triggers the rut .
Do you think being a “captive” herd affected timing of things ? do you think a wild herd acts differently ? or maybe effects the does going into heat at diff times
No, whitetails are whitetails no matter which side of the fence they live on
@@chasinggiantswithhigginsou6147 gotchya ! Filled my tag today !
I’ve noticed the same things from almost identical experiences. Great video sir!!
Nuh-uh you have to spend $59.99 on the pro package on an app to find out when the rut is!!!!🤣🤣
Great video!! I agree completely!!!
Noooo you gotta get the $119.99 elite version!!!
Good information but what state are you in. And how does it compare in other states
Great info thank you , I don’t understand how you can hunt everyday in November for 25 years . Once we kill a deer our hunting is over due to tag limit
2 buck tags in my home state, setting lofty goals and not compromising, valuing the hunt more than the kill, hunting out of state, etc
@@chasinggiantswithhigginsou6147 ahh gotcha thanks for the reply keep the videos coming
If new bucks don't come into the area then what's dominant for and can you explain yarding Unless it's a Canadian thing
I'm jealous too..I love to hunt the whole month..but I really glad you laid it out
..def answered several of my questions..thx.. buddy....good luck to you too