Uncle Rico
Active Member
Just thought I'd create a topic to hear what others' thoughts have been on the rut this year?
For us (we are in the North Central part of the state, Zone 1), we have felt like it's been an odd month. The first 5 days of the month were excellent for older bucks being on their feet during the first and last hour of daylight, which is not unusual. But for whatever reason ever since a day or two prior to rifle opener it has seemed like deer movement in general has marginal at best, and honestly just plain poor in some ways.
For context, we run a bunch of cell cameras, and I have been really struck by the lack of wandering bucks showing up or just passing through this year, regardless of whether they are old or young. Personal days afield have confirmed what we have seen on the cell cameras. Full disclosure, i haven't even checked the non-cell cameras since before Halloween so I suppose they could have different info, but I doubt it.
In visiting with some neighbors, as well as others from around the northern part of the state, it seems like most have had similar observations. I'm just wondering if my impressions are simply a small sample size and not representative of the consensus, or if others have seen similar things?
Thanks
UR
For us (we are in the North Central part of the state, Zone 1), we have felt like it's been an odd month. The first 5 days of the month were excellent for older bucks being on their feet during the first and last hour of daylight, which is not unusual. But for whatever reason ever since a day or two prior to rifle opener it has seemed like deer movement in general has marginal at best, and honestly just plain poor in some ways.
For context, we run a bunch of cell cameras, and I have been really struck by the lack of wandering bucks showing up or just passing through this year, regardless of whether they are old or young. Personal days afield have confirmed what we have seen on the cell cameras. Full disclosure, i haven't even checked the non-cell cameras since before Halloween so I suppose they could have different info, but I doubt it.
In visiting with some neighbors, as well as others from around the northern part of the state, it seems like most have had similar observations. I'm just wondering if my impressions are simply a small sample size and not representative of the consensus, or if others have seen similar things?
Thanks
UR