When do Whitetails go in rut?

Team Young Bucks · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 02:29 PM

I am a fairly new hunter and I was wondering when whitetails go in rut. and when is the best time to shed hunt? I tried last spring but didn't find any.

wmi · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 04:46 PM

You need to get the book Hunting Whitetails By The Moon. That is a really big question . Simple answer is full moon in November but there is way more to it than that. Sheds would be best after snow melt or anytime after season before green up.

deerless · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 04:53 PM

There is a great post on hear about this. I believe they said It will be the first full moon after the october equinox. This will get you close. Best way is to get out and hunt as much as possible! Sheds can be tough some small animals chew them up.Full moon Nov.13?

wmi · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 05:30 PM

Yes we are in the chasing stage right now for most of the country except deep south and far north such as Canada. Can not recommend this book enough. It is a MUST READ for the deer hunter. Nov 13 is correct but the phases of the rut go for about 21 days.

wmi · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 05:32 PM

Look under Lodge and Joels post -- Rut Predictions

Team Young Bucks · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 06:45 PM

ok thanks that really helped a lot.. i sort of got lucky last year with my buck.

East Texas Droptine · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2008, 07:10 PM

I found my shed last year on Feb. 24th....it depends on how old the buck is and how much nutrition he has...the very old bucks tend to shed faster/sooner than the younger bucks...also, a buck MAY lose his antlers around the same time each year...

countryboy · #8 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 11:39 PM

The weather can also play a factor. Warm weather may delay the rut or at least make it more subdued. You most likely need to have the typical fall weather for the rut to get into full swing. If you live in the north country and the rut appears to be delayed, watch what happens the morning after a good, hard frost.

BruceBruce1959 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Young Bucks

I am a fairly new hunter and I was wondering when whitetails go in rut. and when is the best time to shed hunt? I tried last spring but didn't find any.

here's the link to a post titled, "Understanding the Rut" <--click to view