Biologists say that 90 percent of mature whitetail does will come into heat and bucks will breed them from November 5-20, regardless of environmental factors. Plan your hunting vacation from Halloween week through mid-November to guarantee hunting during the rut. Anytime you hunt rutting deer, you have a decent shot at seeing and shooting a big buck.
However, some days and weeks can be slightly better than others each season, based on the four major phases of the moon from the last week of October through mid-November. To provide you with predictions and advice, I am teaming up with Outdoor Life for my 12th annual Big Deer moon-and-rut hunting guide.
Week of October 25: New Moon
A study conducted at North Carolina State found that during a new moon, deer move most actively at daylight, with movement decreasing noticeably throughout the day.
During Halloween week, with the moon dark and waxing crescent for 6 days, expect to see the most does, and maybe a buck pushing a doe, from sunrise until 9:00 a.m. Hunt early and watch diligently during the first hour for the best chances of spotting deer.
Week of November 1: First-Quarter Moon
During the first quarter, deer move less on average throughout the day. However, many huge bucks are killed during the seeking phase of the rut during the first week of November.
According to outdoor TV personality Mark Drury, the best time to hunt the rut is during the full moon and the 5 to 7 days prior as the moon waxes toward 100 percent illumination. He recommends hunting in the afternoons when the moon will rise from 2:40 p.m. until about 5 p.m. and focusing on stands around food sources.
Week of November 8: Full Moon
Mature bucks move best in daylight hours in and around a full moon in November. Contrary to popular belief, they actually move less on average at night during a full moon and more during the middle of the day and earlier in the evenings.
From November 8 through 14, deer movement from midmorning to early afternoon could be good to great, especially with cold weather and high-pressure. Deer are predicted to rut and move best in the early mornings from November 9 through 11 when the moon will set from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Week of November 16: Last-Quarter Moon
In terms of moon phases, deer movement should be good or even great from November 15 through about the 20th, especially in the afternoons. The most extreme deer activity occurred during the last-quarter phase, specifically during the last hour of shooting light each day.
Sneak in and hang a fresh ambush stand 100 to 150 yards off a corn or bean field in a secluded, thick funnel that leads out to a feeding area for does. As mature bucks become skittish and tired, they may still be willing to breed one last doe on a waning crescent moon.
A skilled hunter, dedicated conservationist, and advocate for ethical practices. Respected in the hunting community, he balances human activity with environmental preservation.