Stage of the rut?

[Cooter]

Just wondering what type of action you guys have been seeing lately. I've noticed lots of scrapes but am hearing few reports of bucks chasing does. Rattling is certainly working now.

[Jim Hudson]

Cooter

Last night while working, I had to take a little trip to the jail... While en route, I seen three seperate bucks crossing the highway with that all too familar look about them.

Then today, musky fishing on Namekagon, we seen a buck swimming to a small island, where immediately as he made contact with the island, two does started swimming towards shore. The buck, well he was back in pursuit. After they all hit land, he was hot on their tails. A decent buck too!! On the way back home, does were out feeding in fields, and every once in awhile you could catch a glimpse of a deer running through the crowds!!

All in all, I would say we are in the start of the chase phase here. A few does are probably coming into estrous, but I would say by the mid to end of the second week of Nov, a lot of bucks and does will be paired up. Pretty much on schedule as the past couple of years.

[Cooter]

Now thats the kind of report I like to hear! How was the fishing anyways? Will be hunting the next two days and certainly will be working the rattle bag and grunt call, might break the decoys out tomorrow morning.

[Cooter]

Am happy to report a similar report from 'down sout' - rattled 2 bucks in yest. morning, saw three other bucks cruising, the nicest an 8 pt at 10am with mouth wide open oblivioius to the rest of the world.

[Jim Hudson]

Did a little poking around today.. Seen a few bucks throughout the day, but nothing to get my blood pumping. But on the way home, in an area I do hunt, I caught glimpse of a mighty fine specimen wanting to cross the road... 5X6 with two matching kickers off his G2's. I would say he would gross in the 170's where he had all of an over 20" inch spread with good beam and tine length. He was a brute that would probably push the 220's or a bit more dressed!! Hopefully he sticks in the area, and I see him on Mon or Tues..

[outdoor ran]

Well guys, hows it going? I was hoping with the rut coming on the big boys would be moving during daylight. But with the hunting pressure in my area they contuine to move at night. I'm seeing big mature does still with there fawns. Last week I seen 2 little eight pointers and they were on high alert. Both busted me easily, was hoping to arrow one and get it over with since the rifle season is almost here. Anyone do much Dec. bowhunting?

[Cooter]

Saw a decent 8pt on Tues at 11am, which is a good sign, he was out cruisin. Yesterday morning saw a buck cruising and rattled him in, real nice deer but he only had half of his rack! Perfect half to an 8pt rack on his left side, only maybe an inch or so left on his right side. Rattled in that exact same deer yesterday evening at about 4:45 from a different stand only qtr mile away. Frustrating, would have shot him if he wasn't missing the one side. Jim, how was your hunt earlier this week? I think the warm temps during the day aren't helping any.

[Jim Hudson]

Been extremely busy here... not enough time for everything I tell ya... working... fishing...getting ready for ice fishing (putting all my ice shacks together)... and doing a little hunting...

I went out the other day, Tuesday. Beautiful day and the deer were on the move... Took an 11 point, probably a 3 1/2 year old where he had a 17" inside spread. Main frame 10 with one long kicker off a G2. Not the biggest deer rack wise (probably would score 120 to 125), and usually I would of let something like this walk, but with my time restraints this year...I bagged him. Good hunt though!!

No field pictures of the deer, and my buddy needed the cape ASAP, so I will shoot a photo of the skull here when I get time.

In regards to the rut, I would say a lot of bucks are starting to pair with does and some still lurking behind a few unwilling participants. On Wed, during our big winds, I seen three bucks running a doe. 2 of which were small, where one bigger 9 point was running off the two smaller guys and then coming back to the doe. Also seen two other bucks walking step to step with does.

[Cooter]

Congrats on the deer Jim! Looks like I'm gonna have to switch to the lead slinger for my buck.