Post Rut Strategies
Contributors to this thread:Connecticut
From: shawnm
01-Dec-16
So I've noticed not only has the deer movement come to a halt but the hunters movement has to. I've noticed no one is really doing much hunting. Luckily I can get out this weekend to hunt some more but not sure exactly how to go about it.. I noticed fawns are still going into estrus into December and doe come in again 28 days later.. What does this mean for scents.. Doe urine.. Doe in estrus.. Buck urine.. My urine..lol.. Are these not to be used anymore.. I need some hints.. Tips.. And suggestions.. I know there starting to bulk up again for winter but how does that come in with the late breeding. I don't want to put out a scent and have it be the wrong time but I also don't want to miss out on that monster late breeding buck who just can't get enough.. Also how about calls and rattling... Need some tips
From: tbyars
01-Dec-16
I do not use much scents at all during late season as very few does come in late estrous. What I focus on is food resources close to bedding areas and that is my number one priority. Movement will be down so try and find bedding areas with a food source close by whether that's mast or whether it's a field. I still use a mock scrape drip because bucks and does alike like them. I steer clear from all other scents.
From: STM
01-Dec-16
I was watching a small six point run the ridge with his nose down yesterday around one PM in and around for about twenty minutes. They were moving yesterday until the heavy rain and winds moved in and I got down. About twenty minutes later a small skipper was right in front of me. I am seeing a lot of yearling deer and skippers so it looks like the rebound is on.
From: Cranial Vault
01-Dec-16
Yes....been seeing the small ones still out and about running around.
From: BigWoods71
01-Dec-16
This past weekend I saw a doe and a 7pt buck staying side by side about 70 yards out. I made two grunt tube calls and the buck came charging right over. I also saw many scrapes that had been refreshed after the snow melted. I am a believer is scents also, but a little goes a long way. I'd say being in the woods is your best chance.
From: bigbuckbob
01-Dec-16
The secondary rut will be firing up right about now, so seeking and chasing will be on the increase. I think a lot of guys, like me, can't wait for the secondary rut so we spend our time out there in early Nov. I can't hunt thing weekend, but will be in the woods next week for sure. I have a couple of spots that have some great buck sign and I've seen bucks there, just not the ol' boys I'm looking for.
From: steve
01-Dec-16
I have some does being chased on my plot watcher my friend have had some big boys show up from know were, so the big boys are still cursing only thing is it was around midnight , Steve
From: BoneHead
01-Dec-16
Time in stand will produce....its day by day at this point. 2nd rut is hard to pinpoint. But I have always seen my biggest bucks either on doe late season or getting them on feeding once it gets cold. You will get some big deer scanning different areas looking for doe not bred. Good luck. If you have a decent trac of land move find where the dOe and and small guys are feeding and you will see a good one checking them. Be patient.
From: rut
01-Dec-16
Had a smaller 6 point around my stand today checking on the does. Just at the outside edge of the ears. Youngster.Gotta let them small bucks grow. The one here in my post is what I'm after. This thing just started showing up two days ago.
From: bigbuckbob
02-Dec-16
rut - nice body and spread on that buck. Good luck with him. Hopefully he gets onto a doe and finds his way past your stand during daylight hours.
From: soapdish
02-Dec-16
I agree with bonehead
From: steve
02-Dec-16
rut ,went this morning 6 does no bucks
From: BoneHead
02-Dec-16
Just need to have the right dOe in front of you at this point. Or wait for the midday cruiser.