What is the #1 Calendar Date to Be in the Woods?

[UTGrad]

What is the #1 date on the calendar to be in the woods in your area? I've read over the years that November 6th is a top producing day for big bucks.

What date on the calendar do you plan on skipping work or calling in sick?

 

[Bucket]

For me, it's Veteran's Day...but just because I killed my biggest buck on Veteran's Day 2013.

 

[BSK]

Very property specific because of varying peak breeding dates across the state.

On my place in western Humphreys County, I wouldn't miss Nov. 10-12. That's the start of our peak breeding and when we have seen the most older bucks chasing does during daylight. A secondary peak occurs at the end of peak breeding, Nov. 18-20.

 

[bowhunterfanatic]

Very property specific because of varying peak breeding dates across the state.

On my place in western Humphreys County, I wouldn't miss Nov. 10-12. That's the start of our peak breeding and when we have seen the most older bucks chasing does during daylight. A secondary peak occurs at the end of peak breeding, Nov. 18-20.

Almost a full month later for us. On my family farm Dec 10 - 13 is usually can't miss.

 

[philsanchez76]

For reference im in Rutherford county most of the season. 11/19 is a day that a decent buck almost always gets whacked round here. that's a must hunt day every year. But I will l say that 12/5 or so always seems to be when I see the largest and oldest bucks moving around.

 

[agelessssone]

What is the #1 date on the calendar to be in the woods in your area? I've read over the years that November 6th is a top producing day for big bucks.

What date on the calendar do you plan on skipping work or calling in sick?

Where you hunt has everything to do with rut timing.
In northern IL where I used to live, it was Nov 7-14.
Here near Nashville, I'm out November 14-18.

 

[chris1976]

November 10-15

 

[Andy S.]

Depends on where you hunt. Optimal hunt dates span at least a month across the State of TN.

 

[LenS]

Weather, etc being equal, it is November 14 for my place in western Montgomery. I will see numerous bucks cruising that day and the big boys will be hot and heavy after the does.

 

[tree_ghost]

Historically, for me in middle tn it happens to be my little sisters birthday, November 9th. Killed 2 over 150", it's the best present she could have gotten me lol!!!!

 

[RUGER]

I have two friends that take off on my wife's birthday EVERY year.
Between them they have killed a typical 12 point, a non-typical 10 and a typical 168" 10.
November 9th.

Just sayin'

 

[RUGER]

Historically, for me in middle tn it happens to be my little sisters birthday, November 9th. Killed 2 over 150", it's the best present she could have gotten me lol!!!!

HOLY CRAP LOL that's amazing. Dunno if that is "great minds" or what.

 

[C1295]

Every chance you get... Don't ever Know day to day year to year. Might be in a spot one day see nothing and the next 20 deer may be there. Just two since... I NEVER miss a thanksgiving morning though.... Its just somthing in the air that day.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I've killed most all my deer between 11/9 - 11/16. I really hone in on getting bucks during their cruising/seeking phase. That's my style of hunting and what works for me. I've learned a great deal on how deer use the terrain.

 

[GnashviLLe]

November 15th for me

 

[Hduke86]

If it's a 3 day window that I can be off it's going to be November 9th-11th but I always try for 5 days in a row

 

[Antler Daddy]

Depends on where you hunt. Optimal hunt dates span at least a month across the State of TN.

For me and two 16 year olds, we are more than blessed for this year. I have planned this for some time and most of it is on public land:

• Oct 26-28 Dawson forest bear/quality buck in GA, or Catoosa muzzleloader, or last TN juvenile
• Nov 4-5 at Big Rivers WMA quota near Sturgis, KY
• Nov 10-11 TN
• Nov 19-20 at Fort Knox gun quota, or LBL quota gun on 18-20 in KY
• Thanksgiving week - Lawrence County, TN
• then Laurel Hill 3rd hunt or possibly Fort Knox again

Depending on weather, work load, etc., I may try to sneak a few days in from Nov 6-9 and 12-18. Best buck movement is likely during 6-9th for me. Nov. 7th has always been a great day.

 

[East TN Bowhunter]

Killed a 7 point 3-4 year old buck hot on some does grunting and snort wheezing last year on Dec 2nd. That being said I think it will be earlier than that this year.

***Note - I am in East TN mountains(God's country)***

 

[redblood]

nov 13

 

[BSK]

I've killed most all my deer between 11/9 - 11/16. I really hone in on getting bucks during their cruising/seeking phase. That's my style of hunting and what works for me. I've learned a great deal on how deer use the terrain.

Agree completely. My hunting style is designed around cruising/seeking bucks. For my place, that's from Nov. 1-9. After that, it will be full-bore chasing.