Are you using Doe Estrous yet?

NYSHunter · 10-24-2006, 07:26 AM

Is it too early to put some out yet? Did any of you try it yet and see the deers reactions?

I would like to put some out this week, but I dont want it to be too early and scare away the bucks. I am in upstate NY and I did have a buck come in grunting this weekend, so it looks like they are on the move a bit, but the Does just ran away and he did not chase them at all.

Western MA Hunter · 10-24-2006, 07:32 AM

I've been thinking about it... but haven't yet... I saw a 4 point chasing a doe opening am... made me think... Just seems too early..

bighorns35 · 10-26-2006, 11:23 AM

you both mentioned why you should be using it. you saw a buck bumpin doe's,but you know its to early. one of the keys to using scents[specially estrus] is you are trying to fool a buck. why you should be using it is you want that buck to think your scent is the first doe in the area to come into cycle. i started using estrus yesterday[wed evening]. why is i had 3 bucks come by my stand wed morning following a doe. the first one had his nose glued to her butt. the bucks are ready,but the doe's aren't,fool that nose into thinking there is a doe in heat and he'll come on a string. if you really want to get creative. use a doe decoy with estrus around it and sit back and watch the action. can be awesome at times.

doughboysigep · 10-29-2006, 01:43 PM

check out latest issue of Field & Stream - excellent info on hunting the rut. It does say that you can/should be using some estrus scent (and others) now.

AJ52 · 10-29-2006, 03:37 PM

I don't usually mess with scents/scrapes this early but some recent trail cam pics indicated 2 bucks were checking out mature does.

Soooo - I made a scrape about week ago with trail cam loaded up in a thick secluded area few yrds from stand.
Ck'd cam next day and 7 pics taken.I then put about 20 lbs corn out just for a kicker and freshened the scrape.Ck'd late the next day.All 24 pics taken - corn gone.Got the pics back and 6 deer workin the area.

The night I was waiting to get pics back(no film in cam)6 deer walked into scrape(20yrds away).Looked like a parade with Doe in lead,Very Nice 8pnt,a scrub 5pnt,and the little kids trailing.

Planter · 10-29-2006, 04:16 PM

The deer are on the move here. They say doe in heat lure might scare the big ones away if you use it to early, but I can't say I care. Happy to shoot a young deer if I can and they just love scents.
I did use one of those Wally World "Buck Bombs" last Saturday and had the biggest buck I"should" have killed come in like a dog on a leash. He would have been mine except forthe major CHOKE!!!

Saxman1819 · 10-29-2006, 06:41 PM

So what happened Planter? Sorry to hear about that. Sux.[:@][&:]

BTBowhunter · 10-29-2006, 06:43 PM

havent used any yet but this is the week I generally start.

Planter · 10-29-2006, 06:52 PM

I'll tell yuh Saxman.. I shot him for 20 yards and he was 26!! I had even used the rangefinder at first light and still blew it. Hit him low in the brisket. I think I also lifted my head.Pass thru with fair blood on the arrow and good blood on the ground. Went home and got the camera and drag rope along with a bud to help pull. three hours later we kicked him out of bed and he went like a rocket. Very little blood in the bed. Went home and took a nap befor trying again 8 hours later. Saw him one last time as he blew out of another bed which had just a little clear blood in it. The way he left I actually think that guy is gonna live and that I hit nothing but meat. In hind sight Ipushed to hard but I was sure he was dead. Geez...

Phil from Maine · 10-29-2006, 06:52 PM

I am not sure about what is going on down your way folks but, up here in Maine the rut normally starts the middle of November. For some strange reason the bucks are currently fighting now! A friend of mine shot a six pointer wieghing 187lbs and he was fighting with 2 other deer. This is still early for here so I am not sure what is going on but sounds like the rut is starting early. Good Luck to you all.