ok guys i have only been bow huntng for about 3 years now and this is my 1st year to really hunt the RUT. and i am really excited about it. buti just ahve a few questions about it tho

1) how do u really no the rut is in gear
2) is it true taht the bigger bucks are taken more tward teh end of the rut
3) wat is your favorite technique for hunting the rut
4) how efecive is a mock scrape

JUST wanted some info for my 1st year of hunting the RUT

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I usually hunt every second I can between the new moon and the second full week in Nov. On the nights I can't hunt I'll pack the girls in the truck about an hour before sunset and cruise the quiet country roads. Usually I 'll catch sight of a buck or two a night. If they are eating head down and all in a cut corn field (not on the run w/ head down) I still consider the rut to be before beginning phases. Once I see a buck running (not because of me) in a field with does, I consider the rut to start and in the chasing phase. Some consider this to be the best because bucks aren't locked down with in heat does they are looking for in season ladies. If you see a buck with a doe for instance bedded in a field while a doe eats or wanders around I'd bet she is in season. Some say a buck will follow around a doe until she comes in but I believe the bucksmove around until they find a doe that's receptive.

I like to hunt bedding areas where mature does will show up to rest for an hour or two. I have seen dozens of times where bucks cruise those area looking for does. They most times have been crossing downwind of trails nose to the ground. Lately, the weather, in Illinois, has been 70's in November so the does have been prettybedded down during the days. If the weather is cold, I know thedoes move to eat more to stay warm.So root for the 30's and colder. I like to set a stand just for those days. Right between twopicked or standing corn fields and watch bucks check them all day. Look for a 80 yard or thinner point in the woods (funnel or corridor) where you can shoot both field edges. Those big guys will walk 200 yards around a field rather than cross it in the open w/o visible does.

As far as mock scrapes I have tried them to no success. If I go to the woods now I go right to the stand and no messing around. I do like a few scent cans with a rather effective scent from James Valley.

I also like the second week in January when the 6 - 7month does come into their first season. They have absolutley no idea why the bucks are hounding them. They run mad through the timber trying to shake the old pervs and it makes for some awesome action. Last few years I have started hunting later in the year to hunt through January season. Great time for your second buck if you missed during the first two ruts. (Why you see single spotted fawns in late August)

I guess I could go on and on about my opinions but hope this helps. Remember in the Midwest - if any time of the year to hunt make it double digit November.

I have always taken my biggest buck now and into the first week of Nov. And then during the post rut. The post rut can be rally awsome if your in the right areas.

I would like to piggyback on the thread and ask a rut question: I hunt in the western mountains of Virginia, but have only used lure scents a couple of times, last year, durng the rut, when it worked great. I think it's pre-rut right now in VA. Is it too early to use estrous doe pee or will you get more of a response now than during the rut because the bucks have been ready to mate for a while and they'll jump at the first sign of a ready doe? I've also heard that estrous doe pee will "scare" off any does no tin estrous. Is that true?

1. when you see lots of deer roaming around. BUt just be in the woods as much as you can from here on out.

2. no

3. sitting in my tree as many hours as possible. Try to set up between bedding areas

4. pointless IMO, but you can kick leaves away with your foot just to get a deer to stop in a shooting lane.

well thans for all of this i can't wait and tonight I rattled in a small buck and got a couple on the CAM so i think it's gettin close

Buckeye you are not far from me and the rut isnthere yet. Does/fawns havent separated and the bucks arent chasing anything yet here. Maybe look for some actvity next weekend.