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

[Creek bottoms]

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.

This right here. November 10th is magic in my neck of the woods. Killed a 160 inch buck on 11/10 a few years back. Great time to enjoy the woods too.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

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.

Yep - we are about a week behind you. Around the 16th is when the full-bore chasing begins and goes until around thanksgiving.

 

[Trnr]

that's a tough one for me. I've killed more bucks on Halloween than any other specific date. But I tend to jump on the 11/10-15 bandwagon for my area

 

[deerhunter10]

November 11 or 12th. Then December 12th-15th December we have killed some giants on those days.

 

[Antler Daddy]

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.

The chasing is exciting, but who knows where they will be and it can be tough to get a shot...if they stop and stay in area.

 

[beefydeer]

For me in Obion County it is Nov 21. Something always happens Nov 21

 

[Ski]

For Coffee County I don't miss the last few days of November.

 

[Whitetaillane8]

December 15-18. Hardin County.

 

[TDW05]

Week of Nov 10

 

[knightrider]

North East Tennessee dec 5

 

[megalomaniac]

On my farms, the very first doe comes in around Nov 10th. Peak breeding is Nov 21.

Nov 15th is THE one day to be in the woods on my farms. A small handful of does are in, and the old bucks are just doing stupid things in daylight looking for them.

 

[JeepKuntry]

Gun opener in Ky!

 

[Rackseeker]

December 21st here

 

[OldFart]

Sounds more like muzzle loading season than "regular rifle" season?? Would appreciate any comments , especially from NW TN.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

November 11 or 12th. Then December 12th-15th December we have killed some giants on those days.

I've killed a few in that December timeframe as well…right behind some does

 

[deerhunter10]

I've killed a few in that December timeframe as well…right behind some does

Yes all behind does.

 

[BSK]

November 11 or 12th. Then December 12th-15th December we have killed some giants on those days.

I've picked up that second surge in December on trail-cam, but never actually witnessed it first-hand. That second peak is definitely very location specific. If you hit the right spot, it would be awesome.

 

[CliffordN]

It is either November 8th or the 13th... Or maybe another day between those two. But it might be earlier, if the moon is on the increase. Or, if you are at work!

 

[Iglow]

11/11

 

[tellico4x4]

Out of 209 bucks we've killed in southern Wayne Co at Bullet Hunting Club:

Sept - 3
Oct - 7
Nov - 61
Dec - 108
Jan - 30

Nov 22-27: 34 (Thanksgiving)
Dec 17-22: 28 (peak rut)
Dec 27-31: 24 (Christmas*)
Jan 1-4: 21 (New Years*)
* note: period of Christmas & New Years vacation accounts for 45 bucks as it coincides with more people hunting & secondary rut getting started

My favorite time is first three weeks of December for mature deer being on feet during daylight.