ORIGINAL: GMMAT
Does the moon phase have anything to do with when the rut occurs?
Jeff, actually yes it does. According to Charles Alsheimers and many other Bio guys the chase phase kicks in or picks up about 3 days following the 2nd full moon following the Fall Equinox.
First Full moon after Fall Equinox Sept 26th and 2nd is Oct 26th.
With Fraleys quote above, from Halloween on should be very exciting this year.
And according to the Drury's and all their history, they've killed more bucks on the 3 days of Nov 8th, 9th and 10th then any other days all year long.
I have pretty much narrowed down that the peak rutting here in East Central Illinoishappens around the first full moon in November. But I can't pin down when the main chase faze happens, some people tell me that it's about 1 1/2 weeks before the full moon, then the majority of breeding happening during the full moon. Has anyone else in the Midwest noticed when the MAIN chase faze happens.
Your "PEAK" or lockdown is a little late....usually a couple days before or after the 15th of Nov, as far as PA, not sure how it goes as you head south.... Can't be much different until you head more south.