Question for Iowa hunters (Denied again!)

Pa Trophy Man · 06-19-2006, 07:02 PM

When does the rut usually peak? I put in for a non-resident archery tag again, and im feeling good about getting one this season since i was denied the last two seasons. I am just wondering when my best chances of scoring are so i can plan my trip accordingly.

I appreciate the tips guys but it looks like I shall be waiting at least one more year to bowhunt Iowa [:@].

Antler Eater · 06-19-2006, 10:20 PM

It seems likeif you talk to threedifferent guys, there will be three different definitions of what the "rut" is let alone when it peaks.

The biologists here will normally tell you the 18th of November is the peak. I think that may be debatable but as far as an actual date,that is close enough. I can tell you there is a lot of chasing/cruising going on a lot earlier than that however. At any time in November you could have a nice buck go by...

mac87toy · 06-20-2006, 12:40 AM

like antler eater said you will get diffrent answers, but i bank my days and drive 20 hours form idaho for the wensday of the first week in november to thetuesday of the second week and then again from the tuesdayof the third week for about 4 days. that seems to be when i have the best luck rattling and grunting. there is defintly a lul in the action for about 5-8 days around the end of the second week where i hunt.but you cant go wrong being in the woods all of november every day you get a chance to go, go.

hardcorehunter · 06-20-2006, 07:01 AM

2nd week in Nov.I have noticed a lot of movement 3 days before the full moon in Nov to 3 days after the full moon. 1st week in Nov for the prerut is hard to beat though too. What part of the state are you hunting? If you don't want these guys knowing pm me. Good luck. Anywhere near me in central IA and I'll buy you a couple of beers.

HCH

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Pa Trophy Man · 06-20-2006, 07:12 AM

Hardcorehunter, we will be hunting a farm in Clarke County. We have had pretty good success in shotgun season during past years but it will be first time bowhunting Iowa.

hardcorehunter · 06-20-2006, 07:21 AM

That is awesome country..lots of turkeys too. Hour away from me. I am sending you my phone #. Maybe we can hook up for a beer and you can show me your big huge whitetail.

HCH[/align]

Xtremebone · 06-20-2006, 07:41 AM

Hardcore,
You usally notice that kind of movement before the first full moon of the monthas long as within the first week or two?

hardcorehunter · 06-20-2006, 08:43 AM

This year it shows the full moon on nov 5th. I would think that the 3rd through the 8th would see a lot of movement.

HCH[/align]

BOWHUNTERCOP · 06-21-2006, 04:46 AM

We put in for archery tags also, we each have 1 point each. We will be hunting in zone 5 if & when we get tags. We will be hunting the week of November 13th if we get the tags, the outfitter I'm using said thats a great week. Results of the draw should be out on June 24th

MA Jay · 06-21-2006, 07:19 AM

A coupleyearsback we planned our trip in Zone 9 for the 5th through the 13th and we hit it about perfect that year. The bucks were cruising hard and a lot ofdogging ofdoes.Buck movement was almost constant with a lot of midday sightings. You knew it was peak just driving around as you could see deer everywhere, even during the day. I don't think you could go wrong in a good area between the 1st and3rd weeks of November.