2008
Rut Prediction for the North
This year's rutting moon (second full moon after the autumn equinox) is Nov. 13. Unlike last year, when the rutting moon fell on Oct. 26 and saw prime rutting activity occurring in early November, this yeart rutting action will likely take place from Nov. 10 to the end
of the month in the North. With this in mind, let's look at how the 2008 rut will unfold north ofthe 35th latitude.
l. Seeking phase. Two or three days before the full moon on Nov. 13, the rut's seeking phase will ramp up and be evident by the increase in daytime buck activity. In more populated areas, you'll be tipped off by the increased number of deer-vehicle collisions.
2. Chasing phase.
By Nov. 15, it will be obvious the chase phase has started. Chasing should be intense by the l7th or 18th ... if your area has a good
adult-doe-to-antlered-buck-ratio and a healthy population of mature bucks in the herd. That means a lot of bie buckswill be rutting hard when gun-hunting seasons open across the country. When comoetition exists for breeding rights, it nearly always equates to greater rutting behavior in the form of rubbing, scraping, chasing and fighting. This phase of the rut is, without question, my favorite time to hunt.
3. Breeding phase.
Breeding will be noticeable from Nov. 18 to 28, with peak breeding occurring around Nov. 23 2008