VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

HELLO FELLOWS,

IVE BEEN HUNTING IN ROANOKE VA ABOUT 3 YEARS NOW AND IM HAVING TROUBLE CATCHING THE DEER IN THE RUT..... MY QUESTION IS THE EARLY MUZZLELOADER IS THIS MY BEST SHOT OR THE RIFLE SEASON, IM FROM KY BUT GO UP TO MY FAMILY'S PROPERTY AND HUNT.... EARLY MUZZL. IS NOV 1 AND RIFLE IS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER, THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP

CHRIS EDMONDS
PIKEVILLE KY

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I would hunt during either the first or second week of the early muzzleloader season. Their property must be on the eastern part of the Blue Ridge and have a two week early season. Most of the counties east of the Blue Ridge allow hunting with dogs during rifle season, and that stirs things up quite a bit. The rut should be in the seeking/chasing phase during the first and second week of Nov. After that the bucks have found their mate and are harder to find.You sure are lucky to have a piece of private land around here to hunt! I'm stuck to hunting the National Forests.

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

Caught two big boys butting heads the other afternoon while riding out into the back field... Seems a lil too early to be believed for me;but, with the cooler temps at night maybe they're just feeling good...


Sure is a welcome sight!

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

Where I'm hunting in Fluvanna, I've been seeing bucks "paralleling" does upwind. Have not personally seen anyup close encounters as of yet. The boys are definitely starting to keep their eyes on'em. I'mthinking this early cool weather we've experienced is starting to stir up their hormones which could possibly lead to an early rut this season..........by a week or two. I think by the end of thisweek, the "chasing" will become more apparent. Muzzle Loader Season,as usual, will probably be the peak of rutting activity in VA.

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I've been seeing bucks and does in the same field together, but they aren't showing each other any interest yet

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

last year, i rattled in a nice 8 point on nov 5th or 6th. Next day, shot a nice 9 point while stalking on the ground (got between him and his hunnies)....first two weeks of nov are def the best as long as the weather is good

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

VA5326, where are you hunting in Fluvanna? I live out at the lake and hunt in Charlottesville, Madison, & out in Gretna. Ever hunt the Hardware WMA?

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

We have some land in Cohasset and Palmyra. Close to Fork Union. Never hunted WMA. I have hunted in Fluvanna for 25 years. Same property.

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

Cool VA5326. Hope you have a good season!

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

Same to you Dakine.......good luck and good hunting!

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I had 3 small bucks about 15 yards from me, two decided to lock up briefly. Saw a nice 8-10 pointer today for the third straight day, i was walking back across the bean field and he steped out broadside at 40 yards or so. I watched him and he watched me. might go back in the morning and see if he wants to walk by me

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

How about this week? Anyone? Man........ It's been a little cooler forthis time a yearthan what I remember in the past. The weekend can't get here soon enough. I've got a climber posted where I've beenseeing activity for the past three weeks. Haven't moved it yet and the deer keep coming in........especially the does. Please Boys, start tracking the girls a little closer this weekend.....please! [&o]Good luck to everyone this week!

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

Smoke Pipe opens Nov 4 not Nov. first, and the weather seems to be great. However don't count on it to start the rut. Normally around here Mid Nov. seems to be the most productive timing. I've seen quite a few deer on our properties (36) on opening day none seem to be in rut form at this time. I'm hunting in King George and Richmond County off the Rappahannock River

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I was rattling the other night as soon as the wind died and had a 6 point come by and a then a real heavy horned buck as well....found about 4 scrapes and a ton of rubs...but there are a number of buck on this property...

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I've hunted in Craig County which is about 30 min N of Roanoke for 20+ years and almost every year the peak of the rut hits in ML seasonthe 5th through the 10th. I would assume Roanoke would be about the same time.

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I saw a ton of fresh rubs alonga field line starting about two weeks ago. This past week I saw three different scrapes in the area. Yesterday I had a nice buck come by then go in the woods where 3 doe were standing and he started grunting and blowing, that went on for about 15 or 20 minutes. That was one of the most exciting things I've ever had happen

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I found two rubs this morning about 15 yards apart around 45 yards inside a field edge. They were done some time in last two days. Havent found any scrapes yet. Maybe by next weekend i can find one.

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

hung stands yesterday in fauquier co. in preparation of the ML season and saw 3 brand new scrapes,rubs everywhere and while hanging the last stand around 4 pm a nice 6pt following a doe walked within 100 yds of me and continued following her across the field to the opposite side and in the woods they went,,,i think the pre rut is deffinately happening now and next week or two is gonna be prime. I drive truck for a local co. and 66 was littered with bucks that have been hit all last week

RE: VA ??? ON THE RUT
 

I had a small buck come chasing two does through a cutover Saturday while I was in my ground blind. The does were streched out and running and he was maybe 75 yards behind grunting almost every other step chasing them.