Hello,
Well in my opinion the bucks are still pretty darn rutty in southern Iowa!
Last week was some of the toughest hunting I can remember. Though there was some spotty mid-day and early morning buck movement, things were tough. Deer were generally coming out 15 minutes past shooting light in most areas that I hunt, when the moon would rise. Now, the still-bright moon is rising much later and bucks are acting more like the crepuscular beasts that they are, with increased daybreak movement and much better early afternoon movment as well. Also, last week was the peak of the rut in many areas and many bucks just weren't moving much because they were with does and doe groups. When the does would move, so would the bucks, and it was often after dark.
But things definately changed this weekend. Since Saturday, I have seen a dramatic increase in buck movement at all times of the day.
I think what happens, too, at this time of the year, after the bulk of the does have been bred, is that we get into a make or break hunting pattern. That is, you will have many dead zones seemingly devode of deer -- even in areas that were earlier very good buck spots -- because bucks are stockpilling into areas where there may be one of the few remaining estrous does. This leaves one area that is full of bucks and many areas that are dead seas. Doe pickings are getting slim right now for the bucks and when a doe does come into heat she will be pulling in bucks from literally miles around.
I saw this last year in dramatic fashion as 13 bucks of all sizes spent 2.5 hours chasing a late estrous young doe all around the bottom I was hunting in. It was one of the most exciting times I've ever spent in a tree.
I often see bucks tag-teaming this time of year -- combing the landscape together in a joined effort to find an estrous doe. I saw this last Saturday and Sunday as well. Multiple bucks seemingly searching together for does. I don't know if there has been any research that supports this idea but it is kind of like the "birds in a flock" strategy -- where multiple sets of eye's, ears and noses -- in the case of deer -- can find something that much easier. This may be one reason why so many good areas seem dead right now while other areas are piping hot.
Regardless, I would hunt travel funnel type areas in and around major doe hangout or on the way to and from preferred food sources. I would rattle and grunt fairly often to capture the attention of unseen bucks that may be passing near in thick cover. A decoy could work wonders on a stray passing buck or three -- but I believe it could also cost you a big buck. An estrous doe will often avoid other deer and, in my experience, a decoy will spook does 25% of the time anyway. If you are pushing does away, you may also push away the buck that may be in tow behind.
Good luck hunting! Raven
