2004 Rut Predictions
 

In the Nov issues of Bowhunting World (pg 30) there is an article about the rut. Bowhunting World contacted 2 well known hunting experts, Charlie Alsheimer (Hunting Whiteails by the Moon) and Jeff Murray Bowhunting World field editor. They both predict an early & intense rut. Throughtout most of the northern Us the rut tends to be Nov 7-15 but not this year. They say it is expected to peak between Oct 29 and Nov 10. They both mention facts that could efferct the rut. Temps above 45 would make the rutting take place at night. Murray says fro the rut to happen early there a 2 things that need to happen, clear weather and cool temps. The rut activity will be nocturnal with warmer weather and cloudy weather that reduces the moonlight will decrease the intensity and draw it out.

Could explain the lack of deer sightings during the day in my area NE Pa, Susquehanna Cty it has not been that cold yet we just had a hard frost on Friday nite. Also, have seen many mature does all by themselves.

How's the activity in your area? Do you think it is going to be an early rut based upon your deer sign/activity? Any thoughts?

RE: 2004 Rut Predictions
 

That's very interesting and I thank you for bringing it up. I have off this Thur-Sat and then the following week Wed-Sat and the next entire week...should put me right there for the peak according to your thread.

The warmer days causing breeding to take place mostly at night has always been a problem. Hopefully I'll be able to catch a buck early am or right before dark if the does are up and moving. Should be mighty interesting the next couple weeks.

RE: 2004 Rut Predictions
 

DAMN I AM GOOD!! It didnt take this ol cincinnati boy to read an article to figure that out!!. I have been arguing about the rut ever since turkey season and they want to follow that photo-period crap(HOG-WASH), I can feel it in the air when its going to be early rut. However it has been warm, and i havent been seeing any deer where they were last year here in ohio. I think the weather has alot to do with the rut, it needs to be in the 30s about now instead of the 70's!! I did think it was going to be alot colder than right now,..............maybe becuase of the hurricanes?

RE: 2004 Rut Predictions
 

I hunt northwestern NJ, and all I saw so far is 5 deer, and they got pushed out my some small game hunters. My Friends say they see either no deer or small amount of deer with no signs of chasing, seeking, or rutting.

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RE: 2004 Rut Predictions
 

The deer I've seen have all been either at the very last light or dark. I'm not used to the hunting pressure that I'm finding up here in PA. I thought the deer movment was just a result of so many hunters in the woods...they all went nocturnal. I'm new to PA and I've never hunted anywhere that I saw more hunters in the woods than deer everytime I go out. I hope this doesn't ruin the rut hunting. Us southern boys have always heard how great the northern rut is. I expected to find bucks running around at noon with their noses to the ground.