Rut

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That's a tough one because of the influence of AL/MS nearby. I have a client near the line and he sees a doubel rut--a "normal" TN rut of late November, and then a second "AL/MS" rut in early to mid-January. I suspect there is a major mixing of the two genetic rut timings in that area.
 
Makes alot of since as I see rut activity from around Nov.20 - Dec. 31. Trail cam photo's indicate rut acivity on into Jan after season closes. thanks for the input
 
We did a study here on AEDC last year with UT and it showed the rut peaking the two weeks after Thanksgiving. This was based on when the does were actually bred.
 
I have witnessed chasing here, in Mcminn county from first week of October thru the first week in December.[not in the same year]

But do not have a clue to when the actual breeding takes place?

If I am running over new born fawns the second week of May while mowing hay, when was the doe bred?
 
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BHC said:
Is genetics the primary reason for when the peak rut occurs in any given area?

Yes, although south of the Ohio River, herd dynamics can play a role, with the infuencing increasing the farther south you are. However, a January or early February peak breeding is normal for the Deep South.
 
Positively saw breeding in McNairy county TN last year during youth hunt, maybe ten miles north of state line. Rattled in and killed a candy cane 6 point. There are so many does to breed it could go one for months.

I believe the exact date was 10/30
 
Just remember that even in areas with a tightly timed rut, the entire process takes 5-6 weeks. You may witness actual breeding any time during that period.
 
BHC said:
When do studies show, peak rut occurs in the Hardin/Wayne County area?

Hardin is different from Wayne, but i can tell you to be in the woods from Mz to the first three weeks of gun and you will cover the best part of seeking,chasing and breeding in Wayne. Seeking is the second week of mz and first of gun mixed with some early chasing usually in that first gun week, the 2 weeks of gun will be chasing and right at the early week of dec serious breeding begins and goes on thru about the 15th being peak in my experience. I have closely followed this for the last 8 years in wayne and i think i am pretty close.
 
8 POINTS OR BETTER said:
BHC said:
When do studies show, peak rut occurs in the Hardin/Wayne County area?

I'm in north east hardin and from measurnig a few on a fetus scale it looks like our peak breeding is around Nov.23 or 24.

Great information!!!
 
CAMARO12 said:
BSK said:
Just remember that even in areas with a tightly timed rut, the entire process takes 5-6 weeks. You may witness actual breeding any time during that period.
BSK, when does the rut occur at LBL???

Early, like much of southern KY. Probably peaks somewhere around the 8th to 15th of November.
 
Football Hunter said:
I just hope I see some "rut" this year,completley missed it last year.

Due to poor weather conditions (heat waves), we have definitely had years where we observed very little rutting activity in daylight. I hate those years.
 
Not sure which "lock down mode" you are referring to. Most speak of peak of breeding as lock-down, as mature bucks don't move much once actual breeding is ongoing.
 
CAMARO12 said:
BSK said:
Not sure which "lock down mode" you are referring to. Most speak of peak of breeding as lock-down, as mature bucks don't move much once actual breeding is ongoing.
I'm referring to no seeking or chasing going on at that time.

Thanksgiving will definitely be post-peak at LBL. Not necessarily post-rut, but post-peak. Also remember that sometimes chasing slows down during the peak as every buck has a doe. When the fewest does are in estrus is when competition and buck movement is highest. Just post-peak may be an excellent time to hunt, as bucks seek for the last receptive does.
 
BSK said:
CAMARO12 said:
BSK said:
Just remember that even in areas with a tightly timed rut, the entire process takes 5-6 weeks. You may witness actual breeding any time during that period.
BSK, when does the rut occur at LBL???

Early, like much of southern KY. Probably peaks somewhere around the 8th to 15th of November.

dead on.

last year my best camera day was the 9th and best siteing day was the 16th...Butler county
 

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