Rut theory question?
11-11-2006, 10:39 AM
#2
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MN - hunt Wisconsin
Posts: 88
RE: Rut theory question?
It is all relative to the area.
In NW Wisconsin, where I hunt, anything about 55 degrees would shut the deer movement down right now. They have coats for and are adapted to temps less than that.
I would assume that in Texas, the deer activity would shut down around 80 degrees or so...and so on.
Kinda the same as to why us Minnesotans head to Florida, it is 60 degrees, and we are in shorts in the surf while the locals are in vests and hats!
The heat does not shut down breeding, just causes more movement to happen at night.
In NW Wisconsin, where I hunt, anything about 55 degrees would shut the deer movement down right now. They have coats for and are adapted to temps less than that.
I would assume that in Texas, the deer activity would shut down around 80 degrees or so...and so on.
Kinda the same as to why us Minnesotans head to Florida, it is 60 degrees, and we are in shorts in the surf while the locals are in vests and hats!
The heat does not shut down breeding, just causes more movement to happen at night.
11-11-2006, 10:42 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 6,006
RE: Rut theory question?
The cold weather increases the testosterone in bucks, but it does not make the does want to breed or go into estrous.
The amount of daylight is what causes the rut to kick in.
Does go into heat or estrous for only 24-48 hours each, and when they go into estrous can't be predicted precisely.
We see bucks chasing does because one or more does has come into heat and the bucks know that the rest of the does will come into estrous at any time.
The amount of daylight is what causes the rut to kick in.
Does go into heat or estrous for only 24-48 hours each, and when they go into estrous can't be predicted precisely.
We see bucks chasing does because one or more does has come into heat and the bucks know that the rest of the does will come into estrous at any time.
11-11-2006, 11:06 AM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Botetourt County, VA
Posts: 203
RE: Rut theory question?
The cold weather keeps deer moving during the day, which makes it likely you will see them and perhaps have a shot. If it is warm, most of the deer movement will occur under the cover of darkness, when it is cooler. The only effect temps have on the rut is when you will actually see deer movement. With thier winter fur, the deer are more comfortable to move when it's not 70 degrees F and sunny like it is here in VA right now.
I may be wrong, but I havn't seen any deer on my stands since I shot one on Oct. 30th. The weather has been too warm and that is just what I believe, others may differ, but I sat out today because of the high temp and near full moon. I look for all of next week to be very good because of the moon phase and expected lower temps, but that's just me
I may be wrong, but I havn't seen any deer on my stands since I shot one on Oct. 30th. The weather has been too warm and that is just what I believe, others may differ, but I sat out today because of the high temp and near full moon. I look for all of next week to be very good because of the moon phase and expected lower temps, but that's just me
11-11-2006, 02:05 PM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location:
Posts: 11,472
RE: Rut theory question?
Same deal here in NY. The rut can't be avoided, but you won't see near the daytime activity if it's above normal temps. Been warm here the last week and I haven't seen squat from my stand. The woods are loaded with green eyes at night though.[:@][:@]
11-11-2006, 03:12 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: YewNork
Posts: 1,794
RE: Rut theory question?
ORIGINAL: NY Bowhunter
Same deal here in NY. The rut can't be avoided, but you won't see near the daytime activity if it's above normal temps. Been warm here the last week and I haven't seen squat from my stand. The woods are loaded with green eyes at night though.[:@][:@]
Same deal here in NY. The rut can't be avoided, but you won't see near the daytime activity if it's above normal temps. Been warm here the last week and I haven't seen squat from my stand. The woods are loaded with green eyes at night though.[:@][:@]
stupid deer!
11-12-2006, 06:05 AM
#10
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Southern Maryland (St. Mary\'s)
Posts: 884
RE: Rut theory question?
I'm not looking to start an argument here, but disagree with the statement that "cold weather increases the testosterone in bucks". From the scientific reading that I've done, it's changes in day length that stimulate the pituitary gland in the brain (via photoperiodism or biological clock) which regulates the production of reproductive hormones like testosterone. Thatcolder weather and the changes in day length happen to go hand in hand is a simple coincidence, but the colder weather itself has nothing to do with an increase in testosterone.
ORIGINAL: Washington Hunter
The cold weather increases the testosterone in bucks, but it does not make the does want to breed or go into estrous.
The amount of daylight is what causes the rut to kick in.
Does go into heat or estrous for only 24-48 hours each, and when they go into estrous can't be predicted precisely.
We see bucks chasing does because one or more does has come into heat and the bucks know that the rest of the does will come into estrous at any time.
The cold weather increases the testosterone in bucks, but it does not make the does want to breed or go into estrous.
The amount of daylight is what causes the rut to kick in.
Does go into heat or estrous for only 24-48 hours each, and when they go into estrous can't be predicted precisely.
We see bucks chasing does because one or more does has come into heat and the bucks know that the rest of the does will come into estrous at any time.