Deer Rut
 

What pushes the bucks into rut? The moon, the weather, the length of daylight.... what? Where I'm hunting inTexas the average temp has been near 80, doesn't feel quite like deer season. The bucks that I've seen are not in rut. What or when should this take place? What starts it off? I'm tired of seeing these little basket rack fork horn and 6 pointers.

RE: Deer Rut
 

My understanding of it is that photoperiod is the primary trigger mechanism .

RE: Deer Rut
 

does going into esterous! and all those other factors i believe play a role-- moon, the weather, the length of daylight.

DP

RE: Deer Rut
 

I think the amount of sunlight is the big factor...(photoperiodism) that the bucks respond to and initiates the rut. That being said, the beginning of the rut varies throughout the US and Canada. I think the rut down southpeaks a lot later than the northern states. Check the web-site for Texas Fish and Game. They may add additional info. Also, check the South forum...lotta guys from Texas there.

If you're really tired of seeing those little basket rack fork horn and 6 pointers, come on up to NH....chances are you won't see a thing...;)

RE: Deer Rut
 

i think the rut starts in December in Texas. maybe even late December in the southern tip.

RE: Deer Rut
 

dkhamner, I think everyone that has posted is right except for the comment about the weather. Deer are going to rut regardless of the weather, but if it is hot most of the activity will be at night when the weather is cooler and you will not see it. Also you have to take into consideration your doe to buck ratio in the area you hunt. Anything over a 3 to 1 ratio will cause a lull in the breeding. If there are too many does then the bucks won't have to work as hard and travel as much to find a willing partner. One last thing to consider also, the rut can vary not only from state to state but also from county to county. Where I hunt (Southwest Georgia) the rut can differ almost three weeks in bordering counties. Just hang in there, be patient and you'll probably get your chance.

RE: Deer Rut
 

i read somewhere that down by mexico there is no specific rut time its just when ever a doe goes into estrus just like dogs. each doe is on her own cycle and will go into estrus when shes ready