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Rut Question
#5441869
11/25/14 04:17 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
MathMan
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On November 15th I have a picture of our first buck with a swollen neck for this year.
What does that mean? Has our rut started? I'm very confused on the rut and the different cycles.
Can seeing when the necks first swell predict when our rut will be?
Usually our rut is the first and second week of December according to my FIL.
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Re: Rut Question
[Re: MathMan]
#5443108
11/25/14 10:43 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,560
Slow Drifter
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,560 |
From my experience, it's an estimated guess every year at best. The best you can do is hunt an area long enough to figure out an average for that area. There will always be early and late rutters and lots of other variables to factor in. You saw your first swollen neck buck the 15th, and Monday is December 1st. Pretty close to "on schedule" for an animal without a schedule.
I was going on a hunt at a buddy's place a few years ago. He told me, "They always rut at this time!" I asked him to be sure the deer get that memo.
"I have no idea what WW-III will be fought with, but WW-IV will be fought with sticks and stones." A. Einstein
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Re: Rut Question
[Re: MathMan]
#5443130
11/25/14 10:58 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,806
MathMan
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I've been learning a lot about this.
The necks are from sparring, rubbing, and an increase of testosterone which happens when the does are almost in heat.
To predict the rut, you might could count 6months from when the does drop their fawns.
Pretty much our rut is going to start around December 6th and run for about 2 weeks this year. Then one month after that there will be another rut.
I'll be taking off work in that time frame to hunt when the weather is perfect for hunting.
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