Wes Parrish said:
Radar said:
I like the pre-rut period, not peak of the rut when they are chasing does. Bucks are easier to pattern in the pre rut phase when they are making scrapes and rublines. They can be difficult to get close to with a bow when they are chasing does . . . . .
I totally agree, Radar.
For
bowhunting, there may be a great opportunity to actually kill an older buck in late pre-rut vs. the actual rut peak/chasing period.
OneShot, when I hunt in mid-November, I usually see more bucks than I do during muzzleloader. But many are flat-out running. Not uncommon to suddenly have a buck burst out of nowhere, running directly under you, but then be out of bow range before you can react and/or just not present an acceptable bowshot. It can be exciting, but not necessarily the best opportunity to take a particular buck with a bow.
That's what I was getting at , Wes . Although I see allot of bucks during the peak of the rut , they are pre-occupied with chasing does and can be anywhere and moving quickly .
I see more solitary bucks during the pre-rut that are easier to pattern . Getting within bow range of a buck when he is going wide open after does can be frustrating . I have had better luck bowhunting before the peak of the rut .
I usually pattern the does during the peak of the rut and hope for the best .
Getting back to the original post , I would pick that time between Mz. and gun season over any other period of November for the above reasons , and the lack of hunting pressure during this time as well .
Most guys are getting ready for gun season , and have already put the bow up for the season . If you have the vacation time , get out there and enjoy it .
