Best Times to Hunt
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steve from WI asks:Full moon in early november I have 7 days to hunt when is my best chance in buffalo county WI. I can hunt in a time frame from oct 30- to nov 11.Winke Responds:Steve, Regardless of the moon (weather is more important) I like November 3 through November 10 every year. Good luck. (3-23-12)
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Chris from MI asks:Best time of day to hunt? I hunt remote areas in northern Michigan near Gaylord and I would like you advice on the time of day. I am hunting areas that have clover food plots with a lot of hardwoods surrounding which have good acorn crop as well. I have hunted these areas with good success in the evening but the bucks I'm chasing seem to never come out at dusk! I have many trail cam photos of them in the early morning but have not had any luck. I have tried many entry and exit routes and still nothing. I know where they bed and have many travel routes but I am missing something trying to connect the dots. I was wondering if I should just pattern them in the evening and forget about the morning or refine my moring tactics? Keeping in mind that I know they are there in the plots in the am and I'm not set up on the plots. I've been trying to split the plots and the bedding areas. Please help me! I've got a 160 class buck that is going to be the death of me!!Winke Responds:Chris, I used to say mornings were better. I always felt that the bucks were on their feet longer in the mornings than in the afternoons. Every situation is different. Some spots set up better for morning hunts and others for evening hunts. It is not really possible to tell you which is the case for you. My guess, from reading this is that the bucks are just nocturnal. Maybe they know you are hunting them, maybe not. Many bucks in MI are nocturnal because the ones that are prone to move in daylight get killed. Personally, I like both morning and evening. I would not give up morning hunting. It can be really good. I tend to hunt closer to the bedding areas in the AM, but I have also had some very good hunts on small food plots in the morning too (not just evenings). Anytime you are buried back in the cover somewhere or on a small isolated plot, you have a chance for morning success. I might try to get even smaller plots, if possible. I find that bucks will check out the small plots buried in the timber before bedding down and will cruise them at all times of the day. I don't have any great wisdom on this one. Just keep hunting very carefully, but I wouldn't give up morning hunting. Good luck. (2-20-12)
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mike from GA asks:If you were booking a paid hunt with an outfitter in Illinois what week would you pick?He's located in Greene county Illinois.I'm not talking about a week to see the most deer I'm more concerned with the best week to kill a 150+ Buck.Thanks!Winke Responds:Mike, I think I would focus on November 4 through 10 or 20 through 26 (or as close to those dates as possible). Of the two, the first timeframe is likely a bit better. Good luck. (2-10-12)
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SHANE WRIGHT from TX asks:Hi,Bill I am going to hunt Kansas in north Greenwoood county unit 14.Thinking about the muzzel loader hunt ,dates are oct.17 thru 30,I believe.In your opion what would be the best five days to hunt?Also carrying my son to hunt same area during rifle season,dates are nov. 28 thru dec.10 I believe.So what five days would you hunt?And which hunt of these two has the better oppertunity to take a 150+ deer? Thanks, ShaneWinke Responds:Shane, In October I would definitely go for the last five days of that hunt and I would rather watch the weather for the rifle hunt and go for cold temperatures. If you can't be that flexible, I would take the last five days if the area isn't getting hunted ahead of you. If it is getting hunted ahead of you, I would select the first five days. If it is cold and you have food plots, the late season is likley better. If not, I would think the October hunt is better. Hope that helps. Good luck. (2-7-12)
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Mike from IA asks:First off, congratulations on killing the G5 buck. What an amazing story! Also, I appreciate the daily blogs you filmed this year. What strategies/tips can you offer a college student who will only be able to bow hunt from November 19-26 this fall?Winke Responds:Mike, Thanks man. That is a very good time frame. I am sure you will see cruising bucks. I would do the same things as during the earlier days of the rut - between bedding areas (funnels) in the morning and near food in the evenings. Good luck. (11-23-11)
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Curt from TN asks:Bill,I really enjoy the show,especially the video blog. I hunted Iowa Oct. 29 - Nov. 6. Unfortunately I was unable to fil my tag. I saw very little big buck activity in the particular area I hunted. I plan on making a return trip sometime this month or December. What days do you feel would be good to make a return tripWinke Responds:Curt, November 20 - 26 are usually good. Thanks for the support. I am sorry it was slow. We didn't see much cruising among mature bucks. If you didn't have a hot doe, you were pretty much out of the game. Good luck (11-15-11)
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Chris from LA asks:Well the time has finally arrived. We are leaving La. headed for Lawrence, KS in about one hour. I will hunt just outside of Lawrence for a week then to a town just outside of Macomb, Illinois for the following week (app. the 11th-17th. Do you think there will still be some rut activity in Illinois from the 11th-17th? I hear things are just now beginning to get going good. ThanksWinke Responds:Chris, I hope the hunt is going well. For my money, this is when the rut starts to slow down most years, but 2011 may be different. Normally November 3 through November 10 is prime, but I think that this year the action has been a couple of days later - maybe weather front related. We saw a lot of activity on the 9th and 10th. Let me know how it goes. Often when the highest number of does is in estrous (around November 15) things slow down as the bucks aren't moving as much. Good luck. (11-13-11)
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Jacob Stewart from FL asks:What are the predictions on the rut this year for Ohio, I head up there once a year for a week, this year happens to be from the 20th to the 27th just seeing what phase its going to be up there when I go.Winke Responds:Jacob, I think the bucks will be back to doing some cruising again. It seems that the end of the rut can be very good some years with the older age bucks coming out more frequently. I would focus in food sources in the evenings and funnels between bedding areas in the mornings. Good luck. (11-8-11)
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Hunter from OK asks:Bill, Congrats on a great buck! I know that you really like the first week of November (I think you said Nov. 7th is your favorite day). However, I hunt in Oklahoma and am trying to decide when to take off for work. Considering the weather is warmer here and so forth, do you think on average, our best week is a few days after yours? Perhaps the 7th - 14th? By the way, thanks for the advice on the Steelheads! I shot a big hog last week and got a complete pass through (arrow was sticking in the ground 7 inches!). I have shot hogs with several reputable fixed blades and did not experience this type of performance...these critters have a much tougher cavity to penetrate than deer. I have completely adopted the Steelheads and feel confident they will also work on elk next September. Best - HunterWinke Responds:Hunter, Yes, I am a big fan of Steelheads because they penetrate well and fly like field points. I am not sure on OK dates. You are starting to get far enough south that the dates can change from my normal favorites. You will need to talk with a local biologist and find out when most of the does are bred and then back off about a week to ten days to pick the best buck activity dates. Here, the does are bred roughly in mid-November so the best dates are roughly November 5 through November 9 (most years). Good luck to you. (11-6-11)
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Rick from PA asks:Bill I live in central PA I was wondering if you could tell me in your opinion what would be the better week to take vacation this week oct 31 thru nov 5th or the 7th thru the 12th. I normally take the first week of nov off but with temps rising above 50 3 days this week I'm not sure wether to still take this week off or wait until next week. And one more ? For you I know you posted it before but I forgot but what are some of the better weather sites do you use. Thanks.Winke Responds:Rick, Since I got to your question too late to be of much help, I apologize. but I would have said November 7 through 12. I use Wunderground.com for my weather. It is pretty good, but I am sure there are also many others that are good too. Accuweather is good too. Good luck. (11-6-11)
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Derek from MD asks:Hi Bill. In my opinion, this is the best hunting website and Midwest Whitetail is the best hunting show on tv. I love the teaching aspect and strategies. I almost feel bad asking a question because I hate the idea of taking time away from someone's hunting. My question is...I have limited days to take off to hunt the rut. The weather in MD on the Monday looks good, highs below 50 with warmer weather the rest of the week. Forecasts obviously aren't available for after the 6th. Do you think I should take off Monday or save the day for later in the rut (probably on the 7th or after), weather depending. Thanks for answering all the questions!Winke Responds:Derek, I would definitely save vacation time for the 7th. I love that date dor deer hunting! Good luck. (11-4-11)
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Johnathan from TN asks:I am going to Caney Kansas in november. I was wondering if you thought the 7th troughth the12th or the 14th through the 19th according to the moon would be better?Winke Responds:Johnathan, I would definitely take the earlier timeframe. Good luck in Kansas. (11-3-11)
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Jerry from IL asks:what is the best time of the day to start a night huntWinke Responds:Jerry, During the rut, I say at least three to four hours before the end of legal shooting time. A bit less during the early and late seasons when the deer move later in the day. Good luck. (11-3-11)
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Cliff from MD asks:I drew my 1st Iowa tag and will be hunting Wayne County private land 11/13 thru 11/21. What do you think of that time frame for seeing big bucks? The land we will be on is heavily managed and there are several big deer on it.Winke Responds:Cliff, I will be blunt. Most years that is worst week of November. It is when most of the does are in estrous so the bucks are tied down. If the buck numbers are high and the doe numbers low, you may still see some cruising at this time, but in most areas, this is the proverbial lull in the rut. I like November 3 through 10 or 11. November 20 - 26 can be good too, but not as good, on average. Weather plays the deciding role so all you can do is set the odds as much as possible in your favor and I would plan to hunt sooner if it were my hunt. Good luck.
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Chris from LA asks:Hey Bill, my buddy and I are having a little scheduling issue for our Kansas/Illinois trip. My plan is to be in Illinois for Nov 5-Nov 18th. If you had your choice of bowhunting Kansas before or after those dates which would you choose? I'm pretty sure it's before, but I'm having a hard time convincing him. Also, just curious, how many subscribers/members are you up to on the MW site now? ThanksWinke Responds:Chris, I like your time frame. If you are going to change it much, I would go from Halloween forward. That would actually be a bit better. I am not a huge fan of November 13 through 18. Too many does in estrous at that time, not many mature bucks moving. I call it the rut's lull. November 20 - 26 can be very good too. I have hunted KS at that time and it is good. However, I would not hunt much after the 26th unless you control a really good food source. The bucks lay low and lick their wounds after the rut (for about a week) and then resurface on the food sources. I don't like to disclose our numbers except to our sponsors, but they are pretty large - still growing. Good luck.
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Perry from AR asks:Bill, I really like the way you and your group do your shows. I was lucky enough to draw an Iowa zone 5 bow tag this fall and am planning on being there from Nov 1 until about the 15th. I am hunting family land and have some really nice deer on camera. Do you think your 7th -10th suggestion will stand true this fall for being the best days?Winke Responds:Perry, Most years November 3 through 10 is the best time, so that is what you have to be thinking if you are playing the odds. The weather (temperature) will also play a role in determining the best days, but that is a very good timeframe for being in the woods with a bow in hand anywhere in the Midwest. Good luck.
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Jason from CO asks:Bill, I know it might be a little early in the season for this question in regards to pinpointing the prime time to hunt the North Missouri rut but I figured you and your team might have some insight. The farm I'm hunting is available from Oct. 22nd through Nov. 10th. My schedule allows me to hunt 3 days and I know from experience that trying to predict the deer rut is hit and miss. Based on your show I've heard you say, that overall your optimal day is Nov. 7th, however I'm thinking of hunting Nov. 2nd, 3rd and 4th unless you think I should really try to hunt later if my schedule allows. Let me know what you think Thanks, Jason McCormickWinke Responds:Jason, I think you already know my answer. I am sticking with my statement that I think the best day is November 7, assuming cooperative weather. If I had to hunt just three days it would be November 6, 7, 8. Hitting a cool spell is important too, so if you can adjust your schedule at the last minute to match the forecast, that is much better. Good luck.
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Alex from OH asks:Hello Mr Winke I have a abt a 30 acre area where my girlfriend and I hunt,and I'm getting all kinds of doe pictures with their fawns on the property but no bucks. There are old rubs from the past couple of years and we have seen bucks on tHe property but just traveling by. When do you think we should start to hunt it? Should we just keep checking the cameras until a buck presents itself then set up a game plan or would we be better off staying out of there until the rutting activity starts? Thanks, Love the show!Winke Responds:Alex, Thanks for you support. I would shoot a few does early, if it something you can do within the tag allotments. That is good for the herd and good for the freezer. Then I would stay away until about October 25 or so, when the bucks are moving better. If you see some daylight buck activity on the cameras before then, for sure go after them, but generally what I just described is the way I hunt too. If you have more areas, then you can hunt more aggressively in October, but with limited acres, you will do more harm than good hunting hard when the bucks aren't moving much. Good luck.
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Nathan from IA asks:Bill, I live close to you here in south Central Iowa and was wondering if you only had five days(in a row) to take off to hunt the rut what would they be. I have a buddy coming in to video my hunt and I'm having a hard time with exactly what days to have him come. What is you most succesfull week been? I would be targetting one buck just a mature age-class buck. Thanks for your help and keep up all the great work. NathanWinke Responds:Nathan, I would definitely take November 5-9 for my five days every year. Of course, if you can be flexible and watch the weather, I would move those dates just a bit to coincide with cool weather. November 7 and 8 are almost always good regardless of temperature, but you will do much better overall, if the five days are all cool weather. Good luck.
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Jeff from IN asks:I am an avid bow hunter in southern Indiana. What days do you believe to be the most productive in that area? Should it be a morning or evening sit or an all day hunt? I really enjoy watching your show it is very informative and real unlike alot of the other shows out there. Thanks for the quality show and information. Sincerely, Jeff CartrightWinke Responds:Jeff, I appreciate the support. I always like the timeframe from November 3 through November 10. Even in your area, that is a good choice. I would try to sit all day if you can, or at least move from a morning stand to an evening stand quickly without wasting too much time. If it is cool, bucks will move at all times of the day during this part of the rut. Good luck.
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Mike from IL asks:What dates would you be in a tree this 2011 hunting in Pike County Illinois?Winke Responds:Mike, I always like November 3 through November 10 throuhghout the Midwest. If you have to hedge to one side or the other, go for later - it can stay good through November 12 some years. When all the does are in estrous, the buck activity drops off, so you don't want to hunt in the middle of November. Good luck.
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Mike from TX asks:I live in Texas but lease land in Illinois looking at the calendar the full moon will hit the second week of November. So I would like to know when you would recommend to hunt the rut for 2011.Winke Responds:Mike, I have always said that the timeframe from November 3 through 10 is the best, on average - assuming decent weather - each year. Last year it was pretty dead at that time, so I am a bit reluctant to push the dates hard this year, but that was literally the first year I have seen that timeframe fall through for me in many, many years of hunting every day of the rut. I will tell you when I will be focusing on hunting my best stands: November 3 through 10, if that is of any help. Good luck.
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Mark from NC asks:Hello Bill, I have 9 days to bow hunt in Brown county Illinois this year. I enjoy being there during seeking & chasing period. I have hunted there for the past 11 seasons. I have scheduled to begin my hunt Nov. 5th but have the ability to change that date to earlier or later. I can't wait to reschedule soon before the hunt watching the weather. The full moon falls on the 10th. I realize that one of your favorite days in the woods is the 7th of Nov. and like being there earlier. Would you reschedule to earlier or later mainly because of moon phases? Thank's MarkWinke Responds:Mark, I would not change the timing due to the moon. Last year was a very strange year for rut activity. I am still not 100% sure what happened, but most years November 3 through 11 is a good timeframe. So if you change your schedule, I would only tweak it a couple of days earlier. We also do well right around Halloween every year too. Good luck.
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jimmie from MO asks:I read all of your articals in peaterson bow hunting, all are great and I can tell you know what you are talking about when it comes to deer hunting big bucks! I have been bow hunting for 50 yrs now so I have learned a few things myself, but I'm still learning. Last yr. I had two camers out from june to march and had four good bucks on my cards 150 to 160 range. My problem I never got any pic of any of these bucks in day light hrs. even as late as Feb.2. My son took one of these bucks on nov6,first time in and in a beding area, he also took one the year before, same stand, both scored around 157.I am changing my tactics this coming season completly, putting up stands the last month and this month that I don't plan on hunting untill oct25. I will be useing a boat to reach most of these stands in heavey cover, strip pits that were mined 80 yrs ago for coal. I only saw one of these good bucks 2 days before gun season, nov 10, I was on ditch with heavey cover on both sides and he came outWinke Responds:Jimmie, I think part of your question got cut off, but from what I gathered, you are on the right track. I don't hunt much until October 25 and I am going to go one step farther this year and not hunt certain areas until I know there are mature bucks moving in those areas during daylight. Trail cameras help us there. It is easy to burn out an area too soon if you get impatient. Thanks for your support.
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kevin from WI asks:hi bill what days do you think you should always hunt for bow season, what days are the best for the rut? thanksWinke Responds:Kevin, It really depends on the local weather patterns (temperature) but most years, the best buck hunting takes place between Nov. 30 and November 12. It can vary a bit from year to year, but those are the dates I key on every year. Good luck.
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Dick from WI asks:Hi Bill, My question is in relation to the rut here in central Wisconsin. A few years ago i read that the rut in the northern states starts on the second full moon after the autumn equinox, give or take a few days depending on weather. Is this accurate or a fairly accurate way to get a better "hard date" on when deer actually start rutting. I hunt almost dead center Wisconsin and have always wondered how people know when the rut is. I've always heard late October-November, well i'm trying to determine my best chance to utilize vacation days wisely. I understand there are a few different phases of the rut. According to the method stated above last fall the rut should have began on the 21st of November, and i shot my best buck ever on November 6th and he was following a specific doe step for step. If you had only 5days to spend in the woods actually hunting during bow season in central Wisconsin, and you had to make that determination in June how would you make the best choicWinke Responds:Dick, I have watched the rut dates carefully each year. I have hunted every day of the rut for the past 21 years and almost without fail (except last year) November 7 is the best single date. The moon seems to play either no roll or a secondary roll at best. That is just my observation. Other people may have seen this differently. I tell people to schedule their vacation time between November 3 and November 10 as much as possible. Right before and during Halloween can also be very good most years. I would not miss that timeframe if you can get out there with a long weekend. Last season was unique. My favorite timeframe was bad for the first time in 20 years. I am still not 100% sure why the rut was so strange in the Midwest last season, but until I see a new pattern surface over more than just one year I am going to keep suggesting November 3 through 10 in the Midwest. I hope that helps.
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Charles from MO asks:I am bowhunting the last 2 weeks of December in Southern Ill and all all be going for is a Doe. With the weather being unseasonably cold for the area, when would it be the best time to be out in the woods? A.M, late morn early afternoon or early eve.Winke Responds:Charles, Get out there early in evening and you should have plenty of action. Good luck.
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Tony Allred from NC asks:I have 5 weeks of vacation a year for hunting.I can take 1 in Sept. 2 In October & 2 in November. The problem is I cant take these back to back.I will be hunting in Missouri, Kansas, & Iowa. What weeks would you choose to take vacation to maximize my oppurtunities??? Thanks for your helpWinke Responds:Tony, If you can get the early muzzleloader tag in KS, that would be a great September hunt, if not, the first week of the MO season is the fallback for September. October: I would select the last week for sure, then probably the first week and hope for cool temperatures. We have seen pretty good hunting in early October if it is cool. If not cool, it is a tough hunt. November: I would take November 3-10 (or roughly) and November 19-26 (or roughly). Those have proven to be the best weeks of the rut over the years. Good luck.
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Chris from AL asks:Hi Bill, I just wanted to congratulate you on that buck. Quite a class act to tip your hat to the old bruiser. I've gotten word from my contacts near our property in Macomb Illinois that the rut has really kicked in over the last 3-4 days but I won't be able to get back up there (I live in Baton Rouge, La.) until December 15th. Do you think the bucks will still be rutting by then?Winke Responds:Chris, Thanks. I appreciate it. There was a good little flurry of activity during the first part of Thanksgiving week. I think that is something you can mark on your calendar as an annual event. I have some good hunting for mature bucks over the years during the time from November 20 - 26. This is when the rut tails out in the Midwest. It loses steam from there. Usually not tons of cruising during that week, but usually bigger bucks on their feet. No, by Dec. 15 it will be dead. It will be all about the food sources by then. Good luck.
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josh from MN asks:Hey bill, I love your show and all the info you give. My question is regarding bow hunting during the iowa gun season. I have an unfilled iowa bow tag. I hunted for two weeks in zone six on state land (Oct 30-Nov.12th). It was a great hunt but like you the rut activity was mostly small bucks. I want to make a return trip but was told you could not bow hunt during the gun seasons. Is this true? If I can't come back in Dec. Is Jan. still good for late season big buck movement? Food is going to be a must to hunt over which may be difficult on state land, but it is killing me to have this tag in my wallet unfilled. This is my first time hunting in iowa. Thanks for any info you can offer. Happy Thanksgiving. JoshWinke Responds:Josh, That is true, you can't bowhunt during the first or second shotgun season. You can, however, start to bowhunt again during the late season when the second shotgun season closes. I think the ten days of January can be some of the best hunting of the year, but the deer are wired and it is much harder to hunt without them noticing you in the tree. We struggle with that every year. Focus on a good food source, pray for snow and cold and the last week of the season can be very good. Good luck.
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Elliot from IA asks:Bill, Just wondering if your still seeing much movement? and your predictions on deer activity through thanksgiving weekend? thanksWinke Responds:Elliot, I am not seeing a bunch of movement, but I have not been seeing a lot of movement even during the prime weeks. I do like this timeframe because the deer start to get back on food and that is more predictable than the rut. The last few days before the gun season should be good. Good luck.
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Dwayne from OK asks:its november 11,2010 in southeastern oklahoma and the bucks are already chasing does,can you tell me how along the rut last.rifle season starts 11-20-2010.will the rut be over.Winke Responds:Dwayne, It will still be going then, but it will be starting slow down. I have not hunted OK, but have hunted KS quite a bit and the rut there keeps some momentum until about November 26. Good luck.
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Kyle from KS asks:Hi Bill, Love your show and the site. I'm planning 2 days of vac 11/8 and 11/9 and forecast for NE KS is 70s. I have a stand over water that i'll probably hunt at least one day but am i wasting my time? Should i just go to work and try to squeeze some hunts in later?Winke Responds:Kyle, I am sorry I got to your question too late. This is what I would have told you: Those are good dates and I would hunt them regardless of the weather. However, in the early parts of the rut or the end of the rut, I would defintitely work on the hot days and hunt on the cooler ones. I hope you had a good hunt.
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Tanner from ME asks:I hunt in southeastern NE. When will the rut be at its peak?Winke Responds:Tanner, In a typical year, best action will be the week before peak breeding and the week after. I like November 3 - 10 and November 20 - 26 best. The first week (3-10) typically produces more buck sightings, but some years the second time frame produces the bigger (more mature) bucks. Good luck.
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Mike from MI asks:Bill, at what point in November do you start sitting all day in your stand? thanks, MikeWinke Responds:Mike, To me it makes sense to sit all day anytime starting around November 5. Good luck.
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Dan from MA asks:Bill, I work nights and i get out at 8am. I usually get out for an evening hunt around 2-3pm and hunt til dark since i go into work at 8pm. Now that Nov. is upon us, im tempted to get into my stand by 10-11am and sit the rest of the day. Do you think it would be worth getting into the woods at that time of the day? Thank you for any input and keep up the great work! Thank you, Dan CrockwellWinke Responds:Dan, I think that is a very good plan. Good luck.
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Ricky from IN asks:Hello Winke, my name is Rick & the ? i have is what do you think the best time to hunt big bucks is am or pm ? I live on a small farm of about 50 acres & it joins 2 outher big farms thay have around 250 acreas, & most of the scrapes & rubs are on my property, so should i hunt in the morning early or late evening? Ty Rick Callis. Salem,Indiana.Winke Responds:Rick, You need to hunt them both for sure. Spend as much time out there as possible. However, if you have to choose, my experience suggests that mornings are better than evenings during warm times. Otherwise, the seem to be roughly equal. I would hunt near bedding areas in the mornings and near feeding areas in the evenings. You can also hunt travel routes/funnels at both times. The the best funnels are the ones between two bedding areas where bucks will cruise back and forth looking for does. Good luck.
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Dean from NC asks:I had a question about your best days to hunt predictions. Are these days good for all whitetail country or do they vary based on location? I live in the mountains of NC and was trying to figure out the best time to take some vacation. Thanks, DeanWinke Responds:Dean, It varies by region. I am not well versed with the rut timing in your area, but I am certain is it different from the Midwest. I would consult with a local state biologist to determine rut timing. Also, local veteran hunters can also help. I am not your best resource on this one. Good luck.
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rocky from AL asks:Bill,regarding the rut and the moon phase,we will have a new moon on Nov 5&6,is the best hunting before then or after? Thanks For Your Response, RockyWinke Responds:Rocky, It is always good before and after that time frame. My favorite time is November 3 through November 10. That holds up every year regardless of moon (assuming the weather is cool enough to permit daylight movement). Good luck.
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Steve from KY asks:Hey Bill, quick question for ya. I am already seeing rubs and scrapes here in southeastern KY and some of the guys that i have talked to killed some big deer by calling them in. Both guys i talked to said that the bucks they killed were with does and responded to a grunt call. Don't you think that this is a little early for this kind of activity or do you think it will just be one them odd ball years where nothing make sense?Winke Responds:Steve, Not an oddball year. Just because they are with does doesn't mean they are breeding. However, there are always a few does that come in a month early. It happens every year in the Midwest, but the number is very low. So usually around mid Oct. there is a short flurry of rut-like behavior and then it drops off again until about the last week in October when it starts in earnest. Good luck.
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Chuck from MO asks:When do you start hunting your morning stands? Do you wait until November to hunt them? Do you still pay close attention to wind direction throughout the rut knowing that the deer can come from about any direction?Winke Responds:Chuck, I start on October 25. That is a bit of a random date, but everyone has to pick at least some point in the season to start getting more aggressive. I am a sticker for wind and only set up stands in areas where the correct wind will blow my scent into areas from which deer are not likely to approach: over a valley, over a CRP field, over a large pond or river, etc. I want to keep as much wind advantage as possible. I rarely set up where I know some deer are likely to come by on the downwind side and be able to smell me. In my mind, that is short-term thinking, I don't want to educate any deer.
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brad from AL asks:Bill, I am going to western Kentucky sometime in november to hunt the rut. Do you think I would have better luck the first or second week of november. I went up last week and all the crops are already gone and the land I hunt is mainly Hardwoods with about 10% Foodplots. But like most guys I am limited to time off work and just wanted to know when would be my best chance to shoot a big buck.Winke Responds:Brad, I guess I would be looking at the first week of November in KY. Ideally, from about November 3 - November 10. That normally catches the most active days of the entire season. Good luck. I hope you have a great hunt.
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Mathew Ritz from IA asks:Hi bill,I only have two weeks vacation a year. Normally I use those two weeks to hunt the first two weeks of november. This year they say the moon phases are nearly three weeks later than the 2009 season. The first full moon arrives Oct. 22nd and the second full moon after the autumn equinox,the rutting moon will not happen untill the 21st of Nov,giving predictions of this years rut much different than last year. Hearing this makes me very nervous considering my very limited hunting time. Do you think I should move my vacation back another week or so. Please help. thanks. MathewWinke Responds:Mathew, No, I don't think you should move your vacation time. I bet I get that question more than any other I have received this year. For some reason, everyone thinks the rut will be later this year. Bottom line, the length of daylight dictates estrous timing. Studies I have read support the fact that Midwest does come into estrous at roughly the same time (plus or minus a day) each year. That means rut timing stays pretty much the same every year. I would keep the vacation on the first two weeks of November, for sure. Good luck.
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Clint from AR asks:Bill, I just gained access to 80 acres in Northern WI. I live 18 hrs away, so I want to make every trip count. When would be the best dates to try to hunt? I was thinking around Nov 3-10. As always, love the shows this year. Keep up the great work.Winke Responds:Clint, I think you nailed it there. Those are the dates I would have picked. Now lets pray for cool temperatures. Have a great day and good luck.
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zach from IN asks:hello winke is there a way you can predict the rut for indiana in 2010 thanks zachWinke Responds:Zach, It follows about the same schedule every year. The activity starts to pick up around October 25, gets going very well by Halloween and then the activity level peaks around November 6 through November 9 and then slowly tapers off until about November 26. That is pretty much the schedule throughout the Midwest. That is not to say that that is when the most does breed, but rather when the bucks are most active. The most does breed on November 15 with a ramp up for about ten days and a ramp back down for about ten days after that date.
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mike from IL asks:Bill, I have read a report that believes the rut to fall around the 22nd of November. What is your opinion and what are your feelings of the dates of November 6th thru the 14th for deer hunting dates? I don't have a lot of time to get away and I have always taken this time off with good results.I would love your opinion. Thanks, MikeWinke Responds:Mike, It all has to do with the length of daylight. That doesn't change from one year to the next. Regardless of what I read, I still say the best activity days of the rut are roughly the same every year (assuming cool temperatures). I will always focus on November 3 - November 10 as the best week to be hunting the Midwest. That is not to say that you can't take a good buck before or after those dates (you certainly can) but those have proven to be the best dates on average over the course of my deer hunting career. I hunt every day of the rut, and have for the past 19 years, so I have a lot of experiences to draw on. You can read those reports all you want to - I'll be in my best stands from November 3 - November 10. Good luck.
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Evan from IL asks:hi, so in many questions people have asked what your favorite days are to hunt. you usually have said nov. 7th or around that time. i'll be hunting pike county, il. that weekend! well this year the weekend of nov. 5,6, and 7 will be on a last quarter moon/new moon.(new moon beginning on Saturday the 6th. Also, daylight savings begins on Sunday the 7th. I was just wondering if this will change the times of day that you hunt or where you'll be hunting!? thanksWinke Responds:Evan, Nope, that date has been the time to be in the woods regardless of moon or other factors. The only thing that will reduce the activity at that time is warm weather. It seems that about one out of three years we have a really warm early November and that puts a big damper on daylight buck movement. I hope that is not the case this year. Good luck, sounds like a great weekend hunt.
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Scott from CT asks:Bill, Thanks for the book! Lot’s of sound advice. I agree with you on when the rut takes place every year. I have been hunting deer in ct for 22 years and the Nov 3 thru the 10 is when I see most of the buck Action. I always see scrapes open up the end of October and after Nov 10 I see bucks chasing doe’s Like crazy! If the weather is warm, most of the action is at night! Best of luck this season! ScottWinke Responds:Scott, Thanks for your support. If I had to pick just one day each year, it would be November 7. Good luck this season.
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Jim from MD asks:Historically, I have chosen the first week of november for my rut hunt. I have also kept tabs on a published "rut predictions". Genreally speaking my experinces and the predictions were fairly close. This year I have again put my week vacation down for the first week of november but the predictions are calling for a very late rut. Now I am considering taking the second week. What would you do?Winke Responds:Jim, I hate to seem pig-headed, but I not a big believer in those predictors. I have not seen much variation from year to year in when the bucks move best in the Midwest (I haven't hunted MD). If it is cool, it is a no-brainer. The best week is November 3 - November 10, give or take a day or two. If that week is hot, it can still be good, just not as good as it would be if it were cool. Assuming average weather, for met, that is prime time regardless of the rut predictors.
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Darrin from IN asks:I have drawn a iowa archery tag.Being from indiana i have a limited time to hunt. If you could hunt only 1 week during the season what would that week be. I am hunting area 4 in Bedford IA. It is private property and have no way of preseason scouting, what tactics would you consider for best results.Winke Responds:Darrin, I would be here from roughly Nov. 3 - Nov. 10. I realize that is not a calendar week this year, so whatever your schedule will permit to get you into the stand as many of those days as possible. We also have good luck in late October is the weather is cool. I would look for bedding areas (thicker areas of cover) for morning hunts and funnels near food sources for evening hunts. Keep it simple. Bucks are hunting for does so try to find the areas where the does are concentrated and then hunt near those areas or in a funnel betwee two of them. In that part of the world, you can find some big patches of cover, but you will also have many CRP fields, brushy fence lines and wood lots. Brushy fence lines connecting two good blocks of habitat are always a good starting point because you don't impact the deer much - getting in and out is easy because these are pure travel routes. Like I said, a good starting point - easy to find on an aerial photo. Good luck.
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Mark from NC asks:Hello Bill, For the past 10 years Robert and I have been hunting whitetails in the midwest. The majority of our hunts take place in central Illinois in the Brown, Schyler, Pike county areas. Over the years we have found that those few magical days of the full blown rut occur somewhere between Nov. 5th and 15th. Even researching Pope and Young, Boone and Crockett entries alot of the larger deer seem to be taken between the 8th and 13th of Nov. Maybe this is due to more hunters in the woods. I hear alot about moon phases affecting the rut. I have even heard that the rut can take place soon after a certain full moon and you have about 12 good days before these big boys shut down. I do realize that does come in at different times. Being that a full moon falls on Oct. 22, 2010 does this trigger a early rut this year? Also will a cold snap have an effect. We are trying to schedule a hunt around the chasing period. I would appreciate your opinion. Thank you, MarkWinke Responds:Mark, Temperature will have much more to do with the movement you see than moon phase. One study I looked at that was done by the state of Missouri tested fetus age from harvested does to determine when the doe was bred. Over a three year period, they arrived at November 16 as the average date of conception. The average varied by only one day from year to year so you can pretty much count on the fact that the rut is tied to the amount of daylight and that is tied to the calendar. So, the date is the most important factor dictating when you should schedule your vacation. Second most important is the weather. It is nice if you have the flexiblity to adjust vacation time to fit the weather, but few people have that flexibility. I guess I will stick to my guns on this. I say, on average, the best days are November 3 - November 10 every year, plus or minus a day or two. Again, if you know what the weather is going to do, that greatly affects the choice of timing, but without that foreknowledge, you must play the odds and shoot for this time period.
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justin from OH asks:I should draw my archery tag this year for zone 6 in Iowa. I looked at the moon the second week of november its a good rising moon. My question is what week in Iowa do you think is the best for a bowhunt.I live in Ohio and the last week of October is out because its really good here that week and i have a certain deer that im after.Winke Responds:It will be the same here as there. I like the time right around Halloween, but my favorite date is November 7. Nov. 7 plus or minus two days (if it is cool) is always good. Good luck with the buck you are hunting in OH. Send pictures when you get him.
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Allen from PA asks:Hi Bill.Here Iam looking to next years rut. However,Iam a little concerned.I have received my rut calander from Deer and Deer Hunting magazine and Charles Alsheimer predicts a late november rut.Here in PA,our bow season ends nov 13th.This is just before the seeking fase begins. My question is,do you think I have reason for concern? From what I have read from your writings,you believe that as long as it is cold,the first two weeks of November are allways going to be good. Is this true? Do you take in any consideration,to the moon phases? What have you experienced in your hunting career? One last thing Bill. Do you ever speak at sport shows or at any church hunting banquets? It would be an honor to meet you. Thanks Bill for all you do! I consider most of my sucess to you. I have learned many things. From setting up my bow,to shooting my bow,and from scouting to hunting. Especialy the RUT. Your the best!Winke Responds:Allen, I appreciate your support and your kind words. I take them to heart. I am a big fan of Charlie Alsheimer as a person, but I am not totally sold on the Deer and Deer Hunting rut calendar. My own experience suggests the best days don't change much from year to year. Weather has a much more pronounced affect on how many bucks I see at various times during the rut than the moon phase or any other factor (except hunting pressure). Fetus testing in MO by the MO DNR (the MO show ran a segment on this) suggests that over a four year period peak breeding dates didn't change by more than one day. The peak breeding date was November 16 - consistently, regardless of moon or even weather. That is when they peak of when they breed, period. Our own experience as hunters is affected by the weather (how much the bucks move during the day) and outside hunting pressure. We don't want to hunt during the peak because so many bucks are off the market with does. We need to be out there before the peak and (to a lesser extent) after the peak. Again, I would put my money where my mouth is: Best time to hunt is November 7 plus and minus three or four days. November 3 through the 11 or 12th. Not to say there won't be other good days, but that is where I would place my bet (and my vacation time) every year. I do occassionally speak at churches and likely will ramp up that schedule as Midwest Whitetail becomes profitable and I can take more time away from the other things I do to make a living (writing and photography.)
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Dark Archer from MO asks:Regarding the moon phase and whitetail behavior. When hunting do you prefer a Waning or Waxing Gibbous?Winke Responds:I quized Grant Woods hard on this recently and he says there is no easily identifiable correlation between moon phase and deer activity. I know many people feel that deer move more in midday with a full moon - I am not sure on that. But beyond that, I think you will be stretching to draw conclusions about behavior based on whether the moon is getting bigger of smaller. Activity is so dependent on temperature and time of the rut that the moon phase and waxing vs waning get kind of lost in the shuffle.
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dave from NY asks:The one thing I learned through reading your ask question section of your web site is that the best time to hunt the midwest is Nov 3-10. The problem is that everyone is attempting to land those dates with outfitters so it is always not possible to obtain those specific dates. If you had to pick the next best week would select Oct.28-Nov 3rd or would you go deeper into November. My biggest fear is mid nov.lockdown. When it takes up to 3 yrs to obtain an Iowa tag it sure gives you an uncomfortable feeling to take anything but the best week. Looking forward to your second choice response...Thank you !Winke Responds:Second choice: Oct. 28-Nov. 3. Can be awesome. Best single day last season in our area was Oct. 30. We could have killed four bucks that day. We killed three. It needs to be cool. So much depends on weather making it really hard to schedule this stuff in advance. Good luck.
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Eric from IN asks:Mr. Winke, I am looking into extending my deer season by either getting into muzzleloading or bowhunting. However my budget is very tight. Which way would you advise? Thanks. EricWinke Responds:Eric, Expense would be about the same for both. I would say that the bow season offers more weekends and likely some better access to the rut, so I favor it. However, the gun does permit longer shots, but often the muzzleloader seasons come in after the regular firearms seasons and unless you have a spot with limited hunting pressure and good food plots, you may not exeperience many buck sightings. I would try the bow the first year and then save up and add the muzzleloader the second year. Good luck.
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dave from NY asks:I Hope to be hunting S/E Iowa in 2010. I hunted 4yrs ago Nov 5 the 10th. I am a non res but should have enough points to win the lottery. I have a choice of outfitter dates, Nov 5-10th or Nov. 12-17th. The second fall full moon is in late Oct. this yr. I fear warm weather for the early Nov.dates and I fear lock down on the second choice of dates 12-17th. Early Nov can be great but the big boys could start later.I would not be so nervous and jerky about this but Iowa comes around every 3-4 yrs. What would you do ? I find this to be the most difficult question on out of state outfitted hunts. Looking forward to your outlook !Winke Responds:I would definitely shoot for the first week you have indicated. The herd has to be really balanced (buck numbers equals doe numbers) to prevent a lockdown in the second week you indicate. Playing the odds, the first week is the better choice most years.
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JOSH from PA asks:Hi Bill, I had asked you a question earlier about managing property (how many does to shoot and doe/buck ratio) in Northwest Pennsylvania. I have a follow up to that question. Because the doe/buck ratio is about 4/1 or 3/1 the rut does not seem to be as intense in our area as others with lower ratios. I have about 7 days of vacation that I devote to archery hunting and I was wondering what time you would recommend that I take that vacation to give me the best chance at getting a big buck. For the last three years I have taken the last week of october off and passed up nice 2-1/2 year old 8pts in hopes I would get a shot at the bigger bucks...but nothing materialized. I know from glassing,trail cameras, and spotting that there are probably a handful of 120-140 class bucks in my area...but I have not gotten a look at them during the season. In my situation would the chase or the rut be the best time to focus on. thanks, joshWinke Responds:Josh, I would still hunt the end of October - it can be really good some years. Halloween can be very good. But keep your vacation for Nov. 3 through Nov. 10. Assuming the weather cooperates (cool temperatures) this is usually the best part of the season. Good luck.
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Brian from MO asks:Do you think this year the second week of Nov will be better than the first? I have set 4 straight days in all day sets of funnels between bedding areas. Seeing action early and usually right at dark. Seeing does running just nothing close behind. No midday action at all! I am hunting @ north Kansas City. I have always seen more action the closer you get to the 15th. I took off work this week, wish I would have waited till next week. Wanting your opinion. ThanksWinke Responds:Brian, Next week is supposed to be a little cooler, but still not cold enough to really get them moving all day. There is no good answer when it is hot. It just stinks. That is all there is to it.
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Brian from TX asks:Bill, thanks for responding so quickly to questions. It sounds like next week should be great hunting, but I only have three days to hunt. Do you expect bucks to be active mid-day? Also, are you an advocate of spending all day on a single stand?Winke Responds:Brian, Not all day yet. I would say by November 5, all-day makes sense. I might spend all day in a stand located in a travel route, but not one located in a bedding area or a feeding area. My ideal day: bedding area early, climb down at noon, roughly, eat lunch, take a short break then head to a stand closer to a feeding area for the rest of the day. I would be out of the stand only an hour but that break is really welcome. Travel routes between two doe bedding areas would be good most of the day, but even they will start to go dead when the deer get up and head toward the feeding areas.
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Jason from AZ asks:Bill, great site, keep up the good work! I hunted whitetails and killed my first buck ever last year on 11/2 on land I own in KS. I plan to leave on the 4th for this years hunt. I read about your basic guideline for rut timing in Iowa and am wondering if you would expect any variance for the far southwest corner of KS? The locals regularly comment that the best week of the year is the third week in November. The buck I killed last year was alone feeding and I grunted him into my decoy for the shot. Thanks for the feedback.Winke Responds:Jason, I used to hunt Kansas a lot and I always felt the timing was very similar. I remember a friend of mine in SW Kansas often said the same thing (about best timing being late in Nov.) However, the times I hunted there it seemed that my favorite dates in early November were also very good there. I suspect both timeframes are good with a bit of a lull during the lockdown period in between them. Good luck.
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Dan Marsh from NY asks:I've been hunting for over 40 years, 35 for whitetail. Absolutely LOVE IT! I am going to Iowa this year with my son, brother and a friend, for the first time! Nov. 9th thru 13th. I've Always thought the busiest time of the rut fell between Nov 9 & 19 each and every year,no matter what the temps,or weather. I feel very strongly about this, especially in upstate NY. I know it's unpredictable, and lots of variables, but my question is; How do YOU feel about the rut in Iowa during this time! Good choice of dates? Too late? lockdown mode? should I be aggressive in calling, silent, and peel my eyes & ears? Thanks! Can't WAIT! Trip of a life time! I wish it was being filmed. Thanks Big Dan, Oneida, NYWinke Responds:Dan, It wouldn't be my choice of dates. I like November 3 through 10. If the weather is the same during both timeframes, the 3 - 10 period wins every year. Weather, of course, if the big question mark. Good luck. I am sure you will have a great time.
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Jeremy from IN asks:I am from Indiana and im trying to decide which would be the best dates to take my last three vacation days I was thinking Nov. 6,7,8 & 9. What are your thoughts. ThanksWinke Responds:Jeremy, You can't beat those dates. If it is cool, those will be the best days of the entire season. Good luck.
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James from ME asks:Bill- I read in one of your responses that if you had one week to hunt you would hunt Nov 3-10 because that is the best time in your area. Is that pretty much a standard time that should be good anywhere? I live Omaha, NE and do most of my hunting just north of town. I recently just set my hunting vacation schedule for Nov 5-10. Is this the right time to be hitting the rut hard? ThanksWinke Responds:James, I think you nailed it. I would definitely think those are the best choice. Good luck.
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Heath from AL asks:Me and some friends from church have a lease in SOuthern Illinois. The full moon is on the 2nd so we will be hunting from full to last quarter moon. Do you think we should wait and go later or is that a good moon to hunt pre-rut going into rut? ThanksWinke Responds:Heath, There is an interesting segment at the end of the latest MO show (uploaded today - Oct. 21). There the MO deer biologist talks about conception dates based on their studies and the actual rut timing doesn't depend on any other factors beyond length of day. Therefore, it happens at the same time every year - peak breeding on Nov. 16 in MO. I always felt like it was November 15 here in Iowa, I wasn't too far off. During this peak breeding time there is a lull in buck movement, but before and after it is good. So focus on my favorite time frame from Nov. 3 - Nov. 10 and you will do well.
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Tom from PA asks:If you could pick one week to bow hunt the Iowa rut what week out of the year would you pick?Winke Responds:Tom, I think it is same week in most states north of the Mason Dixon line: November 3 through November 10. Good luck.
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AJ from NY asks:The question I had was...Ill be hunting the week of Oct. 19-24 in south east Ohio and I was wondering what the deer activity that time of year is. I just want to know if there is any rut activity then because that will dictate how I set up for that week.Winke Responds:AJ, I would say the rut activity will just be starting. I start my serious hunting around the time your hunt is ending. However, if it is cool, you may experience a lot of good action. It will be totally based on weather. Cool weather, good action - hot weather, no movement. Good luck.
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Pete from MI asks:Hey Bill, I know that the second full moon of Autumn is when things really get rocking. I think its Nov. 2 this year. My question to you is what strategy do you take at the full moon where under now.Winke Responds:Pete, I have never changed my strategy based on the moon phase. Moon phase may affect the time of day when movement occurs, but at this time of the year it is going to be early and late anyway, based on feeding patterns. I have never noticed any difference rut timing despite the moon. The best activity always seems to fall around November 7, plus or minus a couple of days every year regardless of moon. There may be guys out there smarter or more obsservant than me on this matter, but I have also conferred with a few biologists who state they have not found any scientific studies to back up all the notions about moon phase adjusting rut timing.
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Tim from IL asks:Awesome show keep it up... What is the best week to hunt west central Illinois this yr. PS... The onion cover up is working so far.. Has your staff tried it yet?Winke Responds:Tim, We have not tried it yet. In fact, I haven't been hunting yet, except for youth hunts. I still haven't found a wild onion here. I am guessing the best week there is pretty much the best week everywhere in the Midwest: Nov. 3 through Nov. 10. Good luck.
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brett from MN asks:if you had one week to hunt iowa what days would you go.Winke Responds:That's an easy one: Nov. 3 through Nov. 10. Good luck.
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chris from TN asks:Bill,I just got notified that I got drawn for a hunt on a nature preserve that has never been hunted.The date for the hunt is Nov.22-29.There will be 3 hunts before mine.The area is about 170 acres.It is in Ohio.Do you think there will still be rutting activity during these dates.This area also butts up against 7,000 acres of restricted unhuntable property.My only worry is the 4 hunts before mine bacause of pressure.I think their is 2 week rest between each of the 4 hunts.I would appreciate any advice you could give.Thanks!Winke Responds:Chris, The pressure will certainly hurt you as it will push the deer into the 7,000 acres, at least to some extent. All you can do is try and see what happens. I have had good luck from Nov. 20 through Nov. 26 each year, usually around food sources. The rut activity is minimal but the mature bucks are still active looking for the last hot doe and snooping around. It is not as good as Nov. 3 - 10, but it can be a good timeframe - better than the middle of the rut, which often produces a noticeable lull.
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Ryan from ME asks:Hi Bill, I am getting the opportunity to archery hunt in south central kansas this year for the first time. When would be the peak time frame to be archery hunting the rut there? I am thinking it might be a little later than here in NE as I normally concentrate on the Nov 6-10th time frame here. Weather and other factors obviously will play into the equation but am curious your recommendation. ThanksWinke Responds:Ryan, I always felt it was roughly the same in both Iowa and northern Kansas where I used to hunt quite a bit. That put the best dates from November 3-10, roughly. I would have to think that southern KS would be pretty much the same. However, I have never hunted there. Because you have the whole month to bowhunt, I would try for November 7 plus or minus a few days and then if you don't kill, shoot for November 20 through November 24. Good luck.
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Shawn Kerr from AB asks:My question Winke is when do you think is the best time to hunt whitetail with a bow my season starts in mid aug to the end of novemberWinke Responds:Shawn, I would hunt right away when the season opens for several days. Look for bucks you would be happy to shoot during the summer coming out to fields, wait until opening day, sneak in early in the afternoon and set your stand downwind of the best used trail and hunt it. A ground blind in the middle of these fields might also work. If you don't have fields it can be very tough at that time of the season. Then I would also focus on the rut. Ask the regional deer biologist for your DNR when the rut occurs there. My guess is that at least some part of the rut will occur in November in your area. Try to time your hunt to coincide with those days. If you don't have a November rut in that area, you will need to focus on feeding patterns. Then the key will likely be mast trees such as persimmon, oak (dropping acorns). If you find what the deer are eating you will find the deer. You can do that at any time of the season because they eat pretty much every day. Good luck.
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Ryan from IL asks:Hey Bill, great website, I visit it everyday. My question to you is I seen that you said your favorite day to hunt is Nov. 7th, give or take a day or two. Is that a uniform statement for all the states you hunt or does it vary from state to state. I hunt in southern Illinois and was wondering if that day stands true to you for this location. Keep up the great work!!!Winke Responds:Ryan, I would say it applies to the entire Midwest. The biggest thing that modifies that date is the temperature. When it is warm on the 7th it is not all that great. However, I would plan my vacation from Nov. 3 through Nov. 10 every year if possible. Most years that will catch the best hunting. Best of luck and thanks for your support. Bill
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Mitchell Kamps from MI asks:Hello Bill, It was a pleasure meeting you last week Saturday at the Grand Rapids, MI hunting show. Awesome website and show! Keep up the great work and looking forward to this years show. We are considering to hunt Iowa(have 2 points)this year and about the only date that works is Oct 25-30. How good is that week for you normally? I am trying to debate waiting another year for 1st or 2nd week of November or go this year and hunt the last week of October. Your advise is greatly appreciated and valued. Looking at hunting 4,000 acres and not pressured very much if that matters in your advise. Thank-you, MitchellWinke Responds:Mitchell, It was my pleasure as well. I appreciate your support. The last week in October can be really good, but it depends on the weather more than early November. For example, if you get a cold front coming through at that time, you will likely have great hunting. If not, if it is kind of warm or really warm, you will struggle more than you would in early November. So it is risky. I tell everyone the best day is November 7 plus or minus two days. If I had to pick the perfect week I would choose Nov 3 - Nov 10. Personally, I think I would wait and come in when you know you can catch it perfect. The weather is just such a factor, I would caution anyone to try to keep their schedule as flexible as possible and hunt the last cold front in Oct and the first cold front in November. That is when things rock. If you have to schedule your vacation ahead, then you have to play the odds and wait until early November. Tough question. Good luck. Bill
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jon from MO asks:Bill do you think the fish and game forcast is a good tip to use or go by when hunting whitetails. i cant hunt every day. so i have to pick and choose days to hunt. and i have always checked the fish and game report on days i plan to hunt. have not had any special things happen when ive gone by the report.just wondering if you use that when you huntWinke Responds:No, I wouldn't say that it is. I remember when deer researcher Dr. Grant Woods was putting out a game movement index based on moon rise, etc. He finally stopped selling it and I asked him why. He said that based on all his research he couldn't support any of the predictions of these calendars. So, based on Grant's advice, I wouldn't bother. I really respect Grant for his knowledge of deer and for having the integrity not to put out a product he didn't agree with even though I'm sure he was making money off it. The most important factor is weather - primarily temperature. When the temps are cold during the rut, you will see bucks. When it is hot, it is much tougher, regardless of other factors. Good Luck. Bill
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Dennis from TX asks:Mr. Winke, Love the show! I have booked a hunt in west-central Ill. for Oct. 31st-Nov 4 which falls during a full monn. The outfitter has an opening for Nov 14-18 which falls during a new moon. I believe weather plays the biggest factor, not the moon, but lets say the conditions are favorable for deer activity both weekends; if you had a choice which weekend would you choose to harvest a mature buck with your bow, early Nov with a full moon or mid November with a new moon? Thanks for any helpWinke Responds:Dennis, I would say they are roughly equal. I really like late October and early November, so I would take my chances with the moon and hunt that timeframe. Often in the Midwest, the very middle of the rut is a time when the mature bucks are tied down with does and not traveling much. That usually falls almost exactly at your second timeframe. It really depends on the buck to doe ratio where the outfitter hunts. If it is very balanced, more mature bucks will cruise in the middle of the rut. If skewed toward does, then there will be little mature buck movement in the middle of the rut. My answer: I would hunt the first timeframe. Good luck. Bill
