Will the bucks leave the does...?

[Icetrey]

Before the rut starts. Well guys all last weekend and Saturday the bucks were chasing does. Today Me and my dad saw 9 does between us, all alone. So what i was thinking was maybe the pre-rut is ending and the rut will follow later. I also saw a buck on the way in the place feeding alone. What do yall think

[GMMAT]

You're ahead of the rut. What we'rein right now is (IMO) the seeking phase. The bucks are harassing the doe groups....checking to see if they're ready. They're not...and they quickly tire of the harrassment and move on (bucks do). When the does DO get ready....the boys will be chasing. But I think we're a little ways off from that, right now.....and I suspect you're behind us by weeks. I suspect we'll be in chase mode by next weekend (If I had to guess).

I don't have a "lot" of experience at this.....and my herd is doe rich. I know I haven't seen a buck with another buck in weeks.....and I heard so much grunting the other morning I was grinning ear to ear. Here.....the bucks are ready (imagine that).....but the does aren't. It's a great time to be in the woods, though.

[Icetrey]

Well i dont know much about the rut. Which is why I asked you all.

[Schultzy]

Here in Minnesota where i hunt the bucks are chasing doe's around everytime i see the two together. Bucks will still feed every now and then during the rut but its not to often they do! They will generally loose about 30% of there body fat until the rut is over. If the doe's are ready or not they will chase them around!

[Icetrey]

Well i dont know all i know is Saturday the bucks were running does then it was like somebody cut off the lights, the bucks were'nt chasin anymore