Although things change from year to year , and the best way to pattern deer as to where they are in their routine is to get out scouting and spend time in the field , then spend more time in the field ..... here is a basic rule of thumb I picked up many years ago from a local Biologist .
3 behaviors .... Feeding , Bedding , Rutting .
1st 2 weeks in October
Fedding = alfalfa , soybeans , apples .
Bedding = small upland deciduous forests .
Rutting = boudary scrapes , rub lines .
Last 2 weeks in October
Fedding = standing corn , corn and bean stubble .
Bedding = large deciduous forest , standing corn .
Rutting = secondary scrapes , rub lines .
End of October , 1st 2 weeks in November .
Fedding = does/ fawns - beans and corn stubble , bucks little feeding due to the rut ( approx 1st week in Nov. )
Bedding = large deciduous forest valleys .
Rutting = breeding scrapes ( watch for sign in your area to pin point the peak , this is important so you can refrence and count 28 days ahead for the 2nd rut , another 28 days for the 3rd rut if it happens in your area .... 28 day increments should give you a ball park estimate )
Last 2 weeks in November
Fedding = corn and bean stubble .
Bedding = deciduous and coniferous forest valleys .
Rutting = secondary scrapes , rub lines .
End of November , 1st 2 weeks in December
Fedding = does/ fawns - beans and corn stubble , bucks little feeding due to the rut ( refrence 28 days from 1st rut peak )
Bedding = deciduous and coniferous forest valleys .
Rutting = secondary scrapes , second rut ( doe fawns )
Last 2 weeks of December
Fedding = corn and bean stubble , browse and burried apples .
Bedding = coniferous forest valleys .
Rutting = secondary scrapes and rub lines . ( refrence 28 days from peak of second rut. )
The above is a good rule of thumb I use , year to year .... Timing will vary according to such factors as moon phase , weather patterns etc.
I'm no expert but I do spend a lot of time in the bush studying deer behavior through the season ( I take lots of pictures as well ) .... I hope this info will give some of you " a leg up " .
That time of year again .. here is a guide for Oct, Nov, Dec
Moderator: Excalibur Marketing Dude
That time of year again .. here is a guide for Oct, Nov, Dec
See Ya. ... R.J. > " Remember , Trophies are measured by the time and energy expended to get them , not the size or quantity of the quarry "
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jessejames
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:08 pm
- Location: southern ontario
I've hunted moose and birds as long as I can rememebr. I'm new to bow hinting deer. This post is EXACTLY what I needed to learn from you fellas who are experinced. Thanks a TON! I will be printing this out for reference. Any other advice would be huge. Thanks Alot. AWESOME POST!!
jess
pm me if need be.
thanks
jess
pm me if need be.
thanks
