I was wondering what info people could give me for second rut? I'm in Southern/Central Illinois and am not sure what to expect as far as dates and activity? Anyone have any predictions for me? Also, what should I expect as far as activity? As much as the first rut? Not nearly as much as first rut? Nothing?

Not sure about your area but around here the second rut isn't as active as the rut itself.There are still big bucks wondering around looking for "hot"does.Look for the does in the feeding areas and hopefully a buck will come by.Most of the bucks are feeding heavy now as well,trying to regain there weight from chasing does and to put more fat on for the winter.

extreme 1, how do you predict second rut in your area?

About 150 miles to the west in Missouri, the rut in my area was the first week in November. The second rut should fall 29 days later.(first week in December) You wont see as many bucks as the first rut they are a little shy after gun season and move a lot more at night. Just concentrate on doe bedding areas. They will still be crusing looking for hot does.

in northern Ill, the rut was heavy between the second and teh third weeks of november, so im banking on the second and third week of december for the late rut. hopefully luck will play out for those of us who havent scored a nice buck in the first rut.

look to bring out the estrus scent drags again second to third week of december!

daystalker... that's when we were hot here. first and second week of November. Sort of mid first into mid third actually... So now I know what to gun for... Thanks for the help. 29 days after start of the first rut... that's what I needed to know. Thanks.

28 days later the doe will be "hot again" 28 day estrous cycle-.So if thats the case our second rut should hit about the 3rd week in december here.

Second and third week was 'hot' in central IL also. Unfortunately in 15 years of hunting I have never seen second rut activity. I probably wasn't in my stands as often though. Don't expect it to be like the first rut. Good luck to you!