With the first big cold fronts sweeping the country this week brings the first indications of rising testosterone with ravaged scrapes and Big Rubs seemingly appearing overnight. We Bump the meter up this week to 25% as some chasing harassing of doe groups and even some wiffs of the first available does in heat has crept into this week. As a buck’s testosterone level continues to build, “bucky” behavior continues to intensify. Sparring matches turn into fights often leading to injury and death; doe chases intensify; and bucks feed less and move about more in hopes of encountering a receptive doe. When this behavior begins, it is time to start employing rut-hunting tactics. Food is still key, but many doe groups have shifted from lush green to higher carb foods such as Acorns, Combined Corn Fields and Standing or Combined Beans. Hunting doe bedding areas and pinches are key now as you m ay catch a cruising buck looking for the first available does on your hunting area.
