Bucks do chase does before and after the actual rut.

I've seen bucks chasing does the first of October, yet the rut isn't until the first week of November.

I've also seen bucks chasing does in December. Got my buck in rifle season last year chasing a doe well after the rut.


Yes, hunting during the afternoon can be successful. You bagging that doe is proof.

As someone mentioned, you know you won't get anything sitting home on the couch.

I've bagged a few bucks in the afternoon. As the days draw closer to the rut, bucks move more and more searching out the local does, making rubs and scrapes and even feeding on the falling acorns.

While a buck's attention toward food is turning more towards a hot doe in the coming days, does will still be seeking out the falling acorns at that means a buck could be there to check them out too.

Find a dropping white oak and spend an entire day there. You'll be surprised at the time of day deer will show up.