When will Wisconsin deer have peak rut in 2007?

Answer 1

Depending on your location in Wisconsin (northern half-southern half/eastern half-western half), hunting pressure and weather extremes (ex. snowfall exceeding 8" in one event), the peak rut statewide will occur sometime between November 13th and November 19th. The Average Breeding Date for Wisconsin is November 15th to the 17th. If does are not successfully bred in first cycle, they will generally come into heat again about 28 days later. A common misconception among hunters is cold weather causes the rut.

Answer 2

Things are definitely starting to happen. Today (Oct. 23, 2007), I watched two mature bucks sparring from my tree stand. Although it seems the bachelors are still grouped together, the play-fighting will soon turn serious and territories will be defined. I've only found evidence of one active scrape while out in the woods. I expect to find more by this weekend. This is a good sign the rut is only a few weeks away. Everyone I know keep saying we really need a good cold snap to really get things going --- but I don't know if there is actually any scientific truth to this or not. I know I tend to see a lot more deer moving around in cooler weather, though.

AnswerAs of yesterday 10-25-07, I am just finding evidence of a few small scrapes (Jefferson Co. Ohio) . The bucks are not chasing does. They don't even appear to be "looking around" yet. The bucks I have seen are just feeding. They are not "on the move". I saw several larger bucks (150"+) late summer/early fall before the season started. I have not seen anything but 1.5-2.5 year olds since. The fawns are still with their mothers. I have not seen 2 bucks together, which is a good sign. Considering the moon phases, which in my opinion is the MOST IMPORTANT factor in actually being able to witness rutting activity during daylight hours, it appears that the seek/chase phase of the rut should occur between November 4th and November 16th. Does should come into heat at varying times during this period. I have documented the rut the past 10 years by using only my personal experiences. Upon review, this year should be the "hardest" rut in daylight hours in the last 5 years. The weather will definitley effect their movement. Obviously the colder the better (within reason). This time of year, a daytime temperature not above 50-55, with a low in the 30's seems to be the best for deer activity. Rain and wind during this period will also be a small factor.

In my opnion, you would actually be better hunting a little earlier than later. If I were to pick only one week, it would be November 4th-11th. Warm weather could of course ruin this prediction. If it's warm, hunt November 11th-18th.

Answersoon my friend AnswerYesterday October 28, 2007 I rattled and shortly after a small buck appeared. At around the same time (8:55), three does showed up and the small buck cleary expressed interest and began chasing does. They wanted no part and the chase was very shortlived. Later when I got down, I notice a small scrape that had not been there before. I'm not sure this means the rut is started but no doubt hormones are starting to work. Everything I read says late rut but I can't help but wonder. Haven't seen anything dead on the roads. AnswerNovember 7 would be my guess its going to be later this year because of the height temps I have been seeing bucks chasing but theres still not the potential to the rut

Jim

Answer 3

Rut depends on a number influences and often seems to correspond with weather change. Bucks will begin to break from their bachelos groups and "chase" in the days and sometimes weeks prior to actual rut. Rut is when does of a population show a willingness to stand and is marked by increased movement of bucks surveying local population. In Northeast Missouri most hunters would say that the rut officially rages somewhere near the middle of November. The time frame fluctuates based on local populations. The only way to know for sure is to be in the woods. When you start seeing more mature bucks "tending" or following does instead of their bachelor groups, the rut is not far. For bow hunters this pre-rut time is prime. Bucks are travelling more during daylight hours and may not be accompanied by a half dozen alert does waiting to bust you. Regards, Wagon Repairman

Answer 4

The deer rut in Illinois begins in the beginning of November and runs well past December. This is the time period that seems to be when bucks become most aggressive.