What dates are y’all seeing or thinking the “peak” rut will be for East Texas? How long does the peak rut usually last?

The rut started last week.

We usually saw the peak of the rut the first week of November and had rutting activity start the last week of October.

Thanksgiving week is when the majority of does get bred in my part of East Texas. The 4.5 year old and younger bucks have been harassing the does for the last 3 weeks. The older bucks are checking the does and fighting among themselves. Breaking up some racks but it is not wide open yet. The majority of does are not yet in season but it is eminent.

Bucks were chasing does big time this past Friday and Saturday at our properties in Marion and Cass county. It was crazy out there.

Would that hold true north of you as well? I dont hunt ETx but always thought the rut was earlier than you stated.

I have first hand knowledge of 3 studies where numerous does were head shot and fetuses were measured to establish breeding date. Interesting enough, all 3 studies indicated the peak of the rut as being November 22. I can’t comment with factual knowledge about other areas.

What is your part of East Tx? I am looking around the Alto area.

Polk and Trinity counties is where the studies were done. Not far south of you.

Good info and I’m sure it’s right. Just curious if it may vary to North.

Anyone know about Anderson County? That's where I'm headed Friday. I assume things are already going on.

Its ON in Anderson County (bucks are either locked down or in HOT pursuit)

Ill also be heading out there friday!

I am basically in your area (Nacogdoches County) and have hunted here for over 35 years.

IF we define the 'peak' of the rut as the time when MOST of the Does have come into estrous and are being bred, then I would agree with the 'study' suggesting a date of about Nov. 22nd.

BUT....if you want to know when I see the most Buck Movement, it is considerably different (in my area).

The last weekend of October is typically the beginning of good buck movement/interest in checking Does. The following two weeks (Nov. 1st-15th) will show an increase in buck travel, daytime movement and interest in a particular doe (not necessarily having one locked down).

Remember....it is the DOE'S that determine the 'rut', not the bucks. Bucks are ready (and happy to breed) as soon as they have a hardened antler (usually around the 1st week of Sept).

Naturally not all Does come into estrous at the same time, so my strategy every year is to make sure I have the largest number of
Does around (that the land will support) and then hunt as much as I can. IF you have DOE'S.....you'll have Bucks.

Was hunting in Bowie county yesterday and saw a fair amount of movement. They checked by tinks 69 cotton hanger.

Got busted twice though. Killed a coyote and went home