Originally Posted by
WhitBri
...the prime time almost always lands in the approx same spot that end of first week second week in Nov for the north half of the US. I take the first two weeks of Nov off to hunt every year. I think weather effects the deer movement more then the moon.
Some years there is a difference of almost a month. Charles Alscheimer has done extensive studies on this for years and I've found it to be accurate. As with anything, there are variables. The 2nd full moon after the Autumn equinox is the point of reference. The week before is the chasing phase (My favorite bc of most movement), two weeks before is seeking phase (Rubs, Scrapes, etc.), the week after is bedding phase (Boring as the bucks are laying with does and not moving.
I agree that the bright moon encourages nocturnal behavior and changes daytime movement. Also, because the bucks pack on fat for the rut, if it's above 45 deg F then they shut down bc they are too hott.
BTW....I just found this site and LOVE it!