Saturday, October 13, 2007
Buck on the Rut?
While standing at the kitchen sink last night around 5:30, I had the opportunity to watch the white tail deer community interaction. There were does, fawns and a two year old buck.
The buck was checking out the surroundings by raising his head to test the air, went from deer to deer and visited the places the does had stood to browse the grass and tree leaves. Must be getting close to rutting.
Before the light of day disappeared totally, I saw 5 or 6 does running from one field to another, not seeing what was in pursuit I can only imagine a buck had sent them scurrying.The signs of the season to begin ? Head for the hills and fields to snag your prize.
For those who have had success in filling your current seasons tag. Congratulations! Let us hear your story...
Iowa Deer Hunting Seasons
Youth aged 15 or younger & Severely Disabled - Sept. 15th - 30th
Deer (Bow only) Oct. 1st - Nov. 30th -- Dec. 17 th - Jan.1oth,2008
Muzzleloader : Oct.13th - Oct. 21st -- Dec.17th - Jan. 10th,2008
Shotgun : Dec. 1st - 5th (first) - Dec. 8th - 16th (second)
November Anterless Only: Nov. 23rd - 25th
*Non-Resident Muzzleloader Holiday Season Anterless Deer only*: Dec. 24th - Jan.2,2008
http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/deerappl.html
It's definitely getting to be that time. Scrapes are appearing, and bucks are starting to spar. There have been some signs of an early rut this year...last few years have been described as "trickle ruts"...we'll see how it plays out this year.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the rut to get going here in Michigan. Hopefully I have a tag-filled story to share real soon. Here's to hoping.
ReplyDeleteBryan - I remember last year about this time watching a bigger buck starting to show interest in the females feeding around the house. They have started bedding down in the usual places they use when the rutting/hunting season arrives.
ReplyDeleteArthur - I know I am looking forward to hearing everyone's stories and seeing pictures.
ReplyDelete