For you Rut experts?
 

Ok I work on a 7800 acre Military base on the Illinois-Indiana border, on the Indiana side,and it's loaded with deer, and BIG deer at that...So in the last few weeks I've seen sparring, actuall throw downs, and one chase sequence, and then last night there were 2 130" range deer having a face off and I mean nose to nose, with 2 Doe's watching, Igo anddo my job (about an hour) then drive back by and those 2 bucks are both bedded down with her. I always thought the Doe's avoided bucks at all cost this time of year unless ready or near ready to be breed?

RE: For you Rut experts?
 

I say she's a hot doe. Remember, the oldest does come in 7-10 days before the others.

RE: For you Rut experts?
 

Yup, she is ready.

RE: For you Rut experts?
 

She was only a 1 1/2 year old Doe, not very big at all. I actually told my co-worker, man those boys are going to destroy her.:D

RE: For you Rut experts?
 

It probably was a long hard buck fight and they both layed down with the doe that was close to breeding. The doe's get tired of being chased and they will lay down which I have witnessed before. When she gets up they will continue fighting or one will dominate.