Patterning nocturnal bucks
 

I have two bucks that are nocturnal. I hunted that spot for five hours a few evenings, but they never showed. I figure they are mature whitetails that are wary and still in "summer mode". When the weather cools down and the rut gets near, I think they will start moving around more during the day. How far does a buck roam out of his core area to chase does? I'm thinking when the rut gets near I can hunt game trails and old logging roads that criss cross the place. And maybe use calls to draw him in, such as doe bleat and the antler rattles. Any suggestions on how I can go after them? What are their habits like during the rut? Hard mast is abundant, but my trail camera didnt get many pics of does for him to chase.

Find where he's bedding. I doubt seriously he's staying bedded from dawn to dusk. He's on his feet in daylight in the evening close to his bed. Find his bed, hunt close.

You're right about the rut, they'll move a lot more as breeding gets closer. And I've seen them range for a mile or more during rut. Depends on the buck. Some completely vacate the area and return in late January / February. But the best time to kill him is now.

No buck is totally nocturnal, they move a little in daylight. You need to figure out where they bed, and hunt close.