Phase I: The Rut Preparation Period

Sept. 1 to Mid-October.

Bucks shed their velvet, still mostly alone, and examine breeding ranges. Necks on mature bucks start swelling and scalp musk develops with wet, wrinkled hair.

Hunting during this period is best from the stand near bedding or feeding areas or along rub lines. Bucks are still somewhat predictable in their patterns.

Phase II – Scraping Phase

Mid-October – Nov. 5th

The time for this can be variable but only lasts two weeks anywhere. Bucks start rub lines and ground scrapes (see above). Bucks patrol these scrapes and rub lines. Some serious fighting among large bucks takes place.

Many experts believe this is the best time to kill a trophy buck as he works his scrapes during daytime hours. Rattling can be very effective as bucks seek other bucks to fight. If you like to stalk this is a great opportunity to stalk in a scrape or rub area.

Phase III – The Primary Breeding Phase

Nov. 5th – 20th

This phase is about two weeks. The start dates are later for Southern states.
About 85% of the does will come into heat (estrus) and be bred. Bucks will fight seriously while pursuing hot does. Bucks are very difficult to pattern since they can be all over the map while searching for hot does and breeding.

However, a buck on the pursuit of a hot doe will stay with her and may even be oblivious to things around him. Lots of trophy bucks are killed during this time since the bucks let down their guard. Bucks show little interest in revisiting the rubs and scrapes at this time.

One tactic to use during this time is to hunt the funnel points and open areas where you can ambush the bucks in their pursuit of does. This is a good time to still hunt as well since mature bucks will be on the move and their normal attention is diverted.

Phase IV – Recovery Phase
Nov. 20th – Early December

Most of the breeding is over and the mature bucks will return to their normal patterns in their home range. Use normal methods for stand hunting or still hunting as conditions permit.

Phase V – Late Breeding

Early December – Early January

Does that didn’t breed earlier due to hunting pressure or other reasons will breed during this time. Remember, does will come into heat (estrus) every 28 days until they do breed (through January in most areas).