Outdoor Life: Timing the Rut

Long ago, I divided my deer season into two parts: bow season and rut. For most hunters, this is the best time to catch a buck acting “normal.” That means the bucks’ behavior is either calmed from a summer of not being pursued by hunters, or they are pursuing does that have come into estrous. Most hunters know this is probably the best period for harvesting a mature buck; however, hunting during the rut is a privilege that is not enjoyed by all hunters in Alabama.

In between bow season and rut, deer usually become more nocturnal, especially bucks. From the opening day of gun season until the beginning of rutting activity, the woods are invaded by hordes of hunters. They bring trucks, four-wheelers, tree stands, guns and all the odors and noise associated with these activities. All this sends bucks into their secret lairs, which are usually inside the thickest, most impenetrable growth they can find. This is especially true for mature bucks. They rarely venture out before sunset unless startled by hunters.