In mule deer hunting, the pre-rut is the time when bucks are just starting to become more active in searching for does. This is typically a good time to start hunting, as bucks will be on the move more, making them easier to find and hunt. Here are a few tips to help you successfully hunt pre-rut mule deer:
1. Look for areas where bucks will be searching for does. This includes areas with good cover and browse, as well as areas where does are likely to be found.
2. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity. Mule deer are more difficult to pattern than other deer, so it may take some time to find a pattern.
3. Be prepared to spend long hours in the field. Mule deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so you may need to be in the field for several hours to have a successful hunt.
4. Be aware of the wind. Mule deer have a keen sense of smell and will wind you easily if you’re not careful.
5. finally, don’t be afraid to try new things. Mule deer are notoriously difficult to hunt, so don’t be afraid to try new tactics, locations, or gear
–
Pattern Mule Deer
During the pre-rut, mule deer bucks will tend to stick to predictable patterns. By knowing where to look, you can increase your chances of finding a buck. Look for deer near water sources, feeding areas, and bedding areas. Pay attention to deer tracks and droppings to get an idea of where the deer are spending most of their time. You can also set up trail cameras to get an idea of deer movement patterns in an area.
–
Hunt Early and Late
The best time to hunt mule deer during the pre-rut is early in the morning and late in the afternoon. This is when bucks are most active and you’re less likely to disturb them. If you must hunt during the middle of the day, try to avoid areas where you know deer are bedding down. Stick to areas where you’re more likely to find deer feeding or traveling.
–
Be Patient
Patience is key when hunting mule deer during the pre-rut. Bucks are more skittish and less likely to be out in the open. You may need to wait longer for a shot, but it’s important to be patient and wait for the perfect opportunity. If you’re patient, you’re more likely to take a clean shot and harvested a deer.
–
Use Calling and Scents sparingly
During the pre-rut, bucks are more focused on finding does and may not respond well to calls or scents. If you do use calling or scents, use them sparingly and be prepared to wait. It’s also a good idea to use cover scents to mask your human scent.
–
Be prepared for anything
The pre-rut can be a challenging time to hunt mule deer. Bucks are more elusive and you may have to deal with more hunters in the woods. Be prepared for anything and be willing to put in the extra work to find a buck. By following these tips, you’ll be successful in your mule deer hunt.
What is the best call to use during pre-rut?
Grunt calls and rattling can be effective calling methods during the pre-rut phase for a couple of reasons. First, bucks are still typically in their core area during this time and are more likely to respond to calls. Second, if you have a bully buck with an aggressive temperament, now can be a great time to hit him with a couple short grunts to get his attention.
Photoperiod, not temperature, is the driving force behind rut timing. This means that the rut will start at the same time every year, regardless of the temperature. However, mule deer are purpose built to handle cold weather and seem to be much more comfortable when the temperature is cold.
What time of day are mule deer most active
Mule deer are active during the cooler parts of the day because they are sensitive to changes in weather. They are most active in the early morning and evening hours when the temperature is cooler.
I like to do a lot of things and I’m always up for new experiences. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so I love anything that gets my heart racing. I’m also a huge fan of music and I love to sing and play instruments. I’m always up for a good time and I enjoy making people laugh.
How often should I grunt in pre-rut?
If you want to attract the attention of mature bucks, you should grunt every 15 minutes to 20 minutes. Blind calling can work, but it is best to make the calls subtle and sparingly because you don’t know how close a deer might be to you.
If you’re looking to hunt during the pre-rut, morning hunts close to doe bedding areas will be the best bet. The bucks in the area will know where these areas are and will use the wind direction to their advantage to search for available does.
What time do deer move during pre-rut?
The Middle of October is typically when the pre-rut season starts. This is a time when deer have transitioned from their early season patterns to their fall ranges. This shift can occur anytime between mid-September and mid-October, but it usually always happens by October 10. This is generally when I begin implementing pre-rut hunting tactics.
Taking does before the rut arrives will change the buck:doe ratio and can help intensify rut competition that same year. This is because there are closer to equal numbers of does and bucks, so the bucks have to compete more for does. This can make the rut more exciting for hunters because there is more competition among the bucks.
How long before the rut is the pre-rut
The pre-rut is the period of time leading up to the rut, when bucks are starting to become more active in seeking out does. Chasing and tending (or “lockdown”) are the peak rutting phases, when bucks are actively pursuing does and establishing territories. The rut typically takes place from mid to late October through early to mid-November.
The quartering-to shot is not a horrible angle for rifle hunters, but not ideal either. If the deer is not going to give you a better angle, then aim right behind the elbow of the lead leg. Other choices are between the lead leg and breastplate or high shoulder.
What is the rut prediction for 2022?
It looks like the rut will be more intense in 2022, with more does being bred in a shorter window. This could mean that we’ll see more scrapes being visited, and more bucks locking down on the does they want to breed.
Under normal conditions, a deer can smell a human that is not making any attempt to hide its odor at least 1/4 mile away. If the scenting conditions are perfect (humid with a light breeze), it can even be farther. So they are pretty impressive93.
How do you hunt before pre-rut
If you want to be successful in the pre-rut, you should focus on imitating young, immature bucks. This means using calls, scents and decoys that are likely to attract them. However, you should use these in moderation so as not to scare them off. A decoy setup consisting of a hot doe and young buck is a good option.
Pre-rut is the ideal time to use Code Blue Tarsal Gland or Scrape Mate® as an additional curiosity scent. These products can help attract deer to your stand or blind, giving you a better chance of success. Be sure to check out the full line of PRADCO Outdoor Brands products, including a full line of Moultrie Cellular Trail Cameras and Summit Stands.
How do you hunt early rut?
Hunting tactics can vary depending on the time of year and what you are targeting. In general, it is best to target food sources at dawn and dusk, similar to pre-rut. You can also walk through the woods and get deer up and moving from bedding areas. Lastly, you can set up your stand near good food sources or bedding areas. Using a supplemental feed or deer attractant can also help draw deer to your site.
During the early rut, bucks will spend a lot of time making deer scrapes and rubbing trees with their antlers to mark their territories and advertise their state of sexual readiness. This behavior is essential for bucks to find mates and propagate their gene pool. By making scrapes and rubs, bucks leave scent markings that attract does and let other bucks know that they are in the area. This helps to avoid conflicts between bucks and also allows bucks to find receptive does.
Do bucks move during the day in pre rut
Bucks will be cruising these areas at all hours of the day as they eagerly search for the first estrous does. This is the time when they are the most active and will be covering a lot of ground. Keep an eye out for them during this time and be sure to give them plenty of space.
Rub marks on trees are a sign that pre-rut season is in effect. This has been thought to be linked solely to velvet removal in the past, but further observance has shown that these rubs correlate with rut season.
Final Words
1. Wait for the pre-rut. The pre-rut is when mule deer bucks are actively searching for does to mate with. This typically occurs in late October or early November.
2. Scout your hunting area well. Be sure to know where the deer are likely to bed down during the day, and where they will likely be feeding.
3. Be patient. When you finally find a buck you want to take, don’t rush the shot.Wait for the perfect moment, and take your time to line up a good shot.
4. Be ready for anything. Mule deer bucks can be very unpredictable during the pre-rut. They may come in chasing does, or they may be lone wolves. Be ready for anything, and be prepared to take a shot when the opportunity arises.
5. Take advantage of the pre-rut. The pre-rut is a great time to take a trophy mule deer buck. If you do your homework and put in the effort, you’ll be in for a great hunt.
There are a few key things to remember when hunting mule deer during the pre-rut. First, remember that mule deer are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. Second, be sure to position yourself downwind of where you think the deer will be so that they cannot smell you. Finally, make sure to be as quiet as possible when moving around in your hunting area. By following these simple tips, you will increase your chances of success when hunting mule deer during the pre-rut.