ORIGINAL: NY Bowhunter
Allllllllllllllllllllll day during the rut!!
. If you could only get some tail one time out of the year wouldn't you be looking for it all day?[:-]
I've only taken a couple really nice bucks during the 10-2 time, but sure have seen a LOT of mature bucks cruising for does during that time over the years. Anytime except the rut I wouldn't sit all day. I'd rather go watch paint dry. I save my energy for the rut.
I agree with NYBH, during the rut all day and the rest the highest % of movement for the area.
However I should clarify why I hunt all day and why I have has success in the past. During the chase phase through the rut I hunt very close to bedding areas of deer, what is often referred to as " deep transition" areas. Where I hunt this means lots of cover and safety, deer move freely without the worry about being seen. I look for funnels or land mass that channel deer movements out of bed to the various stables in their routines (food/water of course during the rut this also means doe's). In this area I will often employ rattling/calling techniques to roust deer into coming for a look but depending on the conditons(wind, weather, etc) and stage of the rut I may elect to remain silent as well, I sit the hours of 10-2/3. Hunting such areas requires the absolute perfect wind to be successful as pressure in a deer safe zone will drive them right the heck out.I have shot 1 buck during the heavy stages of rut in the evening,maybe 4-5have come duringthe early am and the rest were 10-3..no sheet fellas. Thoughour buck to doe ratio is healthy and believe this has alot to do with success. If no or littlecompetition for breeding bucks really don't need to cruise to find chicks!!
I rattled in and shot this 5x5/160 class last year around 2:00pm. Ipassed 3earlier in the same spot.
For me you can't keep me from the mid day hunting at this time of year. If it doesn't work for you don't burn yourself out b/c I, NYBH or others say so. You know your deer and area better than us...Good Luck
