Assuming you understand that the rut means the period of time when does come into estrus and not when bucks shed their antlers, bucks necks swell etc....although this is all rutting behavior that bucks will go through, the rut is solely determined by the does. In most if not all the northern hemisphere, peak rut runs in and around the 2nd week of November, specifically near the 15th. To determine if your animals are in rut, or more specifically, your does are into estrus, concentrate on their tarsal glands. Early season when bucks are polishing their antlers and strengthening their necks preparing for the rut commonly known as prerut....the does tarsal glands will still be white to light brown. As their estrus period comes, the tarsal glands will blacken from the scent secretions that take place.

Just because you see a buck chasing does doesn't mean your rut is taking place, your does may simply be fleeing the buck because they want nothing to do with him because they are not receptive and the "rut" (their coming into estrus) has not happened. The bucks are always ready, the does determine the rut.

When the does come into estrus, some earlier than others but the majority of the herd coming into estrus in Nov, that period will only last 24 hours and the bucks will stick tightly to them.

Does that are not bred in this short receptive period will come back into rut(estrus) 28 days later, commonly known as the second rut. Post rut being the cooling down phase after the peak rut occurs and prior to the second estrus cycle.

Also, take thundermugs advice on contacting your local admin on the best times in your area.

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>