We hunt in East Texas. Post Oak Savannah type property. Lease is 200 acres. We have hunted there a few years, don't hunt much, but generally know where the deer move and bed. Have 3 feeders with timers, several 1/2 acre food plots.

Deer cams were showing mature bucks running together last month, but last 3 weeks just does and immature bucks.

Typical scrape areas are currently not in use. Typical rubs only show small trees are being actively scraped (assuming the immature bucks doing this).

So basically no real signs of mature deer although we know they (were) here last moth and assume they haven't left the county.

Last weekend, immature bucks were chasing the does at feeders. Neighbors on the west saw basically same thing on deer cameras, does and immature bucks.

A larger track which is 95% wooded with some deep bottom land & thick stuff on the North, East is mostly open pastures. South & West are smaller tracks, 50/50 wooded, not a lot of deep woods - about like us.

My theory is that the mature bucks split up and head for the and deep woods - holed up with does. They generally stay there as the rut begins. (also plenty of acorns this time of year). I usually see 1 or 2 big bucks in the
Thanksgiving time frame - sort of unexpectedly. Chasing does. My theory is that once they breed available does in the deep woods, the they move to the more open areas like mine - we are 60% wooded - with 10% deep thick stuff....

I'm wanting to vet out my theory with other hunters...perhaps there is nothing to do other than just wait a couple more weeks...but looking for other thoughts/ideas.

Thanks,

The more mature bucks may tend to run for cover due to previous associated hunting pressure. They will be satisfied with the acorns till they sour. During heavy rut they all make mistakes, just have to put in the time.
We try to keep away from bedding ares and work the avenues to food and water

Welcome to the forum

Thanks art -

We do not enter bedding areas. Stands are located in the creek bottom/travel areas & open crossing areas, close to feeders and food plots.

The hunting pressure is next to zero. Last opening day - no shots in the immediate area, couple long ways off. That's pretty typical. I personally know all surrounding land owners - up to about 2,000 - 2,500 acre area. Kno of 3 deer killed all season (we only took a doe) Nobody really hunts. Largest land owner on the north about 600 acres, only bow hunts.

Mature bucks will change their patterns when the pre-rut starts. Combine that with acorns and the size of the land your hunting it sounds quite natural to me. Your land is probably not where they live most of the time. Be patient and wait until they make your set part of their travel route again.

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