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Bachelor Groups. What causes the change?
Posted By INDIANA at 9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM
 
 
Well, as we all know the bucks are transitioning off the open fields and into the timber. Also, many of the bucks that people have been watching in open fields will be moving closer to, and sometimes into, their fall breeding areas. With serum testosterone levels rising daily, many of the members of summer's bachelor groups will be making their first breaks. Bucks that appeared "friendly" to one another a month ago, are not feeling that way any longer with the hormonal changes. Looking for the first true rub lines from known bedding to feeding areas is the key at this stage of the early season. Sneak into the timber at midday with clean clothes and rubber boots on, keeping the wind to your advantage,and speed scout your area looking for better than average rubs. Don't pollute the area with man stink, though, as this could ruin a great stand site. Some groups are still  together, but many of the older, more dominant members of the groups will no doubt move away from their summer areas as a result...alone.
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Bachelor groups aren't cut and dried like some folks think. Members come and go--even in summer-- depending on many different variables. Some of the bucks you watched in the summer are still in those areas. Most of that depends on where they are in the local pecking order. The transition period isn't just about acorns. It's also about the internal biological mechanisms of bucks, which cause them to move anyways, in addition to the fact that soybeans are full of lignen now. Throw in the fact that early season hunters and careless people out scouting for the deer opener may also be signaling to wise old bucks that they need to go back into survival mode.