Mule deer rut activity

sray

Active Member
Messages
129
Anyone seen what the rut activity was out there? From what I've seen it was really spotty this year. So far thinking it might be over but just thought I'd ask what you all were thinking/seeing. My hunt ends Friday and was thinking about taking one more day off from work to do a last day hunt.
 
Seems to be winding down the last couple days. Go hunt! You can work all winter, this hunting thing is a timed event.
 
Thanks everyone I'm hunting 73a and I haven't seen much of anything as far as shooters go. Lots of Doe's but really not any bucks besides two points. I was hoping maybe it was late this year and the bigger deer just haven't come down yet but not to sure.
 
Saw a huge 4x4 Muley dogging the sagebrush flats this morning in Unit 60, up by Sand Creek WMA.
 
The rut happens every year at the same time. Because you aren't seenig it doesn't mean it isn't happening. It winds down at the same time each year. Weather has no effect on the rut. Snow on the ground simply makes the deer easier to detect.

God has equipped his creation to know when the optimal time for breeding to occur each year, so the fawns will be born with the best chance for survival. He has also equipped the wary old bucks with a strong sense of self preservation, which gives them the instincts to know that low light conditions, that is, early morning and early evening gives them the best chance to avoid detection from human predators.

If there are unbred does in your area, that is where the bucks will be. Most does will have been bred by now but the bucks will travel far and wide to find those that are still in estrus.
 
It has been my observation that in units that have rut hunts year after year the rut is generally spotty with most of the breeding in daylight hours being done by the Younger bucks. The older bucks have either learn to take cover or be killed.
 
Thanks to everyones input. I didn't end up tagging out. I saw one small three point and two two points the last day all with Doe's but I really don't wanna shoot them.
 

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