It’s about to be perfect in ET

Published 5:16 pm Wednesday, November 20, 2024

We are fast approaching the 4th weekend of the general whitetail season.

If you hunt in East Texas, the weather over the first few weeks has not been optimal to say the least. This weekend may deliver some cooler temperatures and get those big boys up and moving.

If the low temperatures aren’t enough encouraging consider the following.

According to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s whitetail studies, East Texas should was at the peak of the rut on Friday. The study was conducted at multiple locations across Texas over several years.

The whitetail in Texas are slightly different depending on the part of the state they live in. The deer in the panhandle do not rut or breed the same time that South Texas deer do. The study considered these differences which is why the studies were done in multiple areas.

For the newer whitetail enthusiasts, when female whitetails become receptive to breeding and males enter a condition called “Rut.”

The bucks will bulk up with sparring each other or a bush, tree or virtually anything else that triggers his testosterone charged temper.

One night at deep South Texas deer camp, a noise that sounded strangely like lumber falling in the mesquite. A little sneaking around with a spotlight, found a couple of bucks fighting under a tree. The tree had a 1×6 board nailed in to the tree for target practice and the deer had knocked the board loose but it would bounced around in the tree and between their antlers as they attempted to fight.

The board bouncing around after the deer separated really made both deer mad. They both thought the other had gotten in an extra stab and the sight was memorable. In fewer words, a rutting buck is more susceptible and vulnerable than any other time of year.

An older buck may operate completely nocturnal but if he catches the scent of a receptive doe, he may literally run into traffic.

Back to the promising weekend.

Frost is forecast with a small warming trend Sunday. Keep in mind freezing temperatures are not required for the bucks to be chasing does. If you know where the does are hanging out by a feeder, rest assured the bucks will be nearby.

The peak of the rut is also a great time to be in the stand during the midday period. Bucks will travel miles away from their home range during this time so hunting old logging roads or other “trail” type corridors.

Creek bottoms are an excellent travel way to watch from a higher vantage point.

One final tip.

If you get lucky enough to spot or find a doe bedded down, sit down and get comfortable. Chances are good the doe will have a buck bedded nearby, waiting for her next move. He will follow and trail her until she receives him or another buck asks him to leave.

Remember, watch the girls and the boys will show up.