Shooting a doe before the rut
10-24-2012, 12:54 PM
#1
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Heaven, WI
Posts: 600
Shooting a doe before the rut
I'm conflicted as to whether or not I should shoot a doe in the next couple weeks leading up to the rut here in WI. I think things will really start picking up this weekend with a 20 degree drop in temps and a high pressure system moving through. I would like to get one more doe in the freezer to make it worth my while to bring in a batch of venison to the processor, and I would love to get it in before gun season starts and they get too bogged down.
It would be great to get a doe that's going into estrus and save her tarsal glands, but realistically the chances are slim a hot doe would have at least a few bucks following her, especially if she's one of the first in the area to go into heat. Should I keep my eyes open for a good shot on a doe knowing they'll be going into heat in the next couple weeks if I leave them be, or just be out looking for Mr. Big?
I have 2 does in the freezer already and will have ample time and spots to do some late season bow hunting after things settle down from the gun hunt, so I may just put off shooting another doe until the smoke clears. I had this same dilemma last night as I walked into the woods for a quick hunt in the fog/drizzle, luckily I only saw a couple fawns right at dusk.
What are your thoughts on shooting does this close to the rut?
It would be great to get a doe that's going into estrus and save her tarsal glands, but realistically the chances are slim a hot doe would have at least a few bucks following her, especially if she's one of the first in the area to go into heat. Should I keep my eyes open for a good shot on a doe knowing they'll be going into heat in the next couple weeks if I leave them be, or just be out looking for Mr. Big?
I have 2 does in the freezer already and will have ample time and spots to do some late season bow hunting after things settle down from the gun hunt, so I may just put off shooting another doe until the smoke clears. I had this same dilemma last night as I walked into the woods for a quick hunt in the fog/drizzle, luckily I only saw a couple fawns right at dusk.
What are your thoughts on shooting does this close to the rut?
10-25-2012, 06:53 AM
#2
Fork Horn
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 411
Depends on your priorities, if you are hunting for bigger horns, the more does around the better the odds of a big one chasing something. If you want the freezer full, pull the trigger any time the opportunity presents itself. But remember, once the full rut starts and a buck locks up with a hot doe, they are bedded for the 24-36 hr breeding cycle.
Last edited by *twodogs*; 10-25-2012 at 07:02 AM.
10-25-2012, 08:33 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Audubon & Red Rock, Penna.
Posts: 4,472
They say that the more does that you have, the more bucks they will attract. But, if there are fewer does, the bucks will have to travel more to work them. You need bucks to be on their feet, not laying around with a harem like Hugh Heffner. 
