Playing the wind during the rut?

[TRIGGER]

The stand I would like to be in at first light is in a bottom by a creek where deer cross and go up the hill to a bedding area. The wind is supposed to be favoring towards the bedding area from my stand location. I have had deer come at me from every angle at this stand but the creek crossing is by far the most traveled from my experience. If the wind does what it's supposed to they should not wind me before going almost out of site. I guess my question is should I play the wind like they are headed to the bedding area in the morning or does the rut change things a bit?

 

[nick2720]

rut does change this, experienced old timers that showed me how to hunt told me that the mature bucks will always be downwind of does in the area the reason is so they can get good draft of smell to see who is in heat. a lot of people never really think about this but to me it makes perfect sense. majority of the time people place where the wind isn't blowing into a thicket or bedding. bit really if they truly do get downwind of does this is the time you could get lucky with a.big boy. curious as what other people think

 

[Anonymous]

A buck that is cruising during the rut will not pay attention to you unless you are very obvious. I could have smacked a nice 9pt on the butt this week when he walked by. He saw me and never gave me a second thought.

However, does will pay attention to your movement and scent. If you are hunting where the does will be, you need to play the wind. If you are hoping to catch a buck cruising through a funnel or to a certain area don't worry so much about your scent. They only have one thing on their mind and it isn't you.

Hunting ridges will pay off during this time of year.

 

[Boll Weevil]

I tend to be a little more agressive as the rut approaches with the knowledge that grown bucks are on their feet, somewhat less cautious, and could come from any direction at any time of the day. Early in the season I never hunt a stand when the wind isn't favorable and will even climb down out of a particualar set if the wind shifts during a hunt. As always I employ scent-management practices, but during the height of the seeking and chasing phases I'll push the envelop a little and at times will sit in places with a more marginal wind if the sign is there.