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Slow Time of the RUT:

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loneranger

Well-Known Member
Hello to all Fellow and Lady Hunting Comrads, I was reading one of those deer hunting articles, by one of those so called,"Experts", on how there is a lull mid way in the rut, about the 10th of Nov. until the 20th, when the bucks are WITH the Does. The rut before this time is best for chasing bucks, when the Does are just begining to come into Estrus, and at the end before ThanksGiving when the last few does are being searched out. Any truth to this from all you experiences? Or is this just one more Article by an Expert? Thanks!
 
I would say that time frame is a little broad. Usually I hit the lull from the 13th-17th, but to anwser your question; yes I think it does exist. Midday to early afternoon seem to be better at this time for me.
 
While I dont claim to be an expert, I can give some facts about that time period in Iowa. Some of the Best bucks I've taken have been during that time period. Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, and Nov 17. All were tending bucks in the presence of a doe. So, if its a lull its ok with me. I will certainly be spending all day on stand this time of the season. To me it comes down to keeping tabs on the Does. At the same time, try to keep them as undisturbed as possible. When you see Bucks starting to put pressure on Does, you need to be hanging around those areas where the Does are going to spend the majority of their daylight hrs. The rut will certainly slow down. But in my experience, not until after Thanksgiving is it real noticeable. Up to that week or so, I believe its a matter of simply being in the right place at the right time.
 
I agree with both the replies of scott ic and 50+. One thing I like to do during this time is scout those fence lines and small draws out in the middle of no where. The big bucks are with the does and because of this they don't want any competition. So don't overlook that draw away from a big timber for this period and be prepared for the duration of the day.
 
I don't know if it is really a "lull" but many bucks certainly get locked down with does at that time. They won't be as susceptible to calling and will have usually abandoned scrapes. There will still be "satellite" bucks out cruising 24/7, there will be bucks finishing with does and out looking for the next hot date, and the bucks that are locked down will become vulnerable as they follow the does to and from feeding. Still a great time to hunt!
 
Bingo. That is what I have experienced also. Areas with too many does seem to lock down the real pigs after about the 13-15. Had seven fawns under my stand at one time around the 20th last Nov. They all looked like they didn't have a clue where mama was. Guess I better start doing a better job on the skinheads and see if the lock down period is reduced.
 
Like the old saying goes...I would rather have a bad day of hunting than a good day of work!!!
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I think it does become a little slower in this time, but Last year we killed bucks the 12th, 17th, and two on the 19th, all which were alone cruising, so I am going to be in my stand.

Kratz
 
We definately get a lull here, from about Nov. 10 until at least 2 weeks later. There are just so many does the bucks seem to disappear. Around the end of Nov. is when the real big pigs sr=tart showing up in starnge places at strange times and most guys are done hunting by then. I'm saving my 3 days of holidays that I get for the last 3 days of the season if I still have a tag.
 
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