So, it’s 2AM, you have been partying all night and the bar is closing. This is when the Human Rut kicks in. You lose all common sense and self-respect. The ladies are trailing out the doors. The chase is on.
Deer and Elk go through this behavior every Fall. Hunters are on the hunt for Bucks and Bulls that are on the hunt for does and cows.
For Whitetail Deer, Rut begins around the first or second week of November. Usually, it travels from west to east. The peak for the biggest Montana Mule Deer is later in December after the rifle season closes. Younger bucks will begin rutting sooner but the big, old, survivor bucks seem to wait until after the gunfire subsides.
Bull Elk are in Rut during September. A single dominant bull may herd up many cows, while he waits for them to go into heat. Other satellite, smaller bulls will circle the herd waiting for a little action on the side. There are 4 amazing days in September when archers find themselves in Hunter Heaven. These days may not be consecutive and vary in different areas. If you are hunting the same area, and elk are around, you know what I mean. This is when even the smartest Bulls are vulnerable.
Rut is determined by the length of daylight and temperature. Bucks and bulls spend most days in small areas. There is food, water, and bedding. Bucks spend their time alone or in small bachelor groups. No females allowed. When the hormones kick in, everything changes. The Bucks and Bulls lower their guard and make foolish mistakes.
When does and cows begin going into heat, the sweet smell of success turns the breeding males into Macho Men! They begin to bugle, Grunt, and chase the females down. Girls allow the chase until they are ready to breed. Males will breed with multiple females over a few weeks. Females may be bred several times. An orgy of reproductive madness ensures plenty of offspring for the future.
Bucks and Bulls will run themselves ragged. Rut Behavior can go on all day and night. Several males at a time may be on the hunt for the same hot female.
Hunters can use scent, hunt scrapes, make calls, and target Rutting males at this time. Big males will urinate on themselves to attract females with their scent. The unique mating aromas can be detected from miles away.
If you are in the Rut, the hunt is on!
Montana Grant
