2023 Whitetail Rut Forecast

[@TinesandTrailsOutdoors]

Thanks for all the information you share Jeff. Had a friend hire you to come in to give him and his family advice on how to set up their property better. He said it was a huge help and you are one of the most genuine guys and loved your passion for the sport. Keep up the great work!

[@bowman8316]

What a great video ! Thank you and happy Sunday 👍🏼🦌

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot...I hope it makes a lot of sense! Hope you are having a great weekend 👍

[@dinkleberg4387]

Thanks for all the videos! Can’t wait to get in the woods

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome...me either 😊

[@loggerheaded]

Over the past 4-6 yrs I've taken your information and put it to use, although you rarely talk about my area. But for those wondering, in south east texas, the best time to hunt is mid Oct to mid Nov. I see the best buck movement in mid Oct. By opening weekend of gun season the bucks are full on chasing and they don't give you much time to make a shot. I highly recommend bow hunting the last 2-3 weeks of oct. Good luck to everyone this yr.

[@Uriah-mz4tl]

Thanks for your advice I have been watching deer trying to make sense of why they do what they do and listening to you helps big time with some of the pussles that I wasn't sure where to put thanks and bless your heart

[@Killswitch31114]

Love your videos man. We hunted growing up here and there but my dad reall didnt teach us alot about it. I am getting my little boy into hunting and have learned alot from your videos and can hopefully pass it on to him.

[@Alexander.McDonald]

2 years in a row now I’ve seen bucks chasing on nov 11 Veterans Day my dad shot on this yr on the 11th and I shot my first last year on the 11th is the same stand both late morning

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

Excellent video, your spot on for your dates. Here in Oklahoma on the Kansas border bucks start sneaking around later in the morning and move a little more before dark around Halloween every year. Cold fronts really help at this point..By November 6-10 bucks are really antsy and pestering the does and really visible during the day then till about November 11th thru 20th its crazy and you see bucks all day and everywhere!! Then i guess they're locked down and then about Thanksgiving they are looking more and you see big bucks moving more again. Then its spotty until about December 5-15 you'll see a rush of bucks chasing again for a few day's and finally in January around 5-15 I see bucks chasing young does. I shot a 157 10 point on January 13th following a fawn and a 130s 10 looking for love on last day of bow on January 15th the last day of bow season. Great video.

[@sawyerclaar6128]

Absolutely great I’ve been watching you for years I’ve learned a lot put five cameras up and all the mature bucks came around November 1-14 in pa

[@normyoder2622]

Thanks Jeff ! You have a God given talent to articulate your knowledge that makes it very clear. Best on KZbin

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you Norm that really means a lot to me. Always appreciate you and I hope you are having a great weekend!

[@lena_4466]

Agreed!!! Last weekend, to calm my nerves before our wedding, I watched/listened to Jeff talk about hunting. Thanks Jeff, it worked! 🤷🏼‍♀️ 😆 🎯⚘💞💍🦌

[@masonwicorek5236]

​@@lena_4466...........😢😢❤e😅😅rwre😢

[@cryptotrain6334]

Your mock scrape method has been the best thing I’ve ever done can’t wait to see the action

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

It is such a fun process! We rely on them heavily for great, consistent Intel on the local deer herd and wildlife populations

[@rustylozanolpc4227]

I agree! Your mock scrape method was a game changer to our property and we had some bucks come in that I’ve never seen before.

[@lwdeer1]

I know from my cameras that the fawns were born about May. 25 ,so my breeding was about Nov. 4,5,6 here in western, Pa

[@craigpeck9060]

Western Pa. Guy here as well. Absolutely agree. Mine show the same.

[@faded1196]

New archery hunter here. Also from Western Pa. Looking to experience my first rut.

[@stefanosoderi4152]

Then the pre rut would occur mid October in Pa? Chasing and seeking peek would be in mid October? I’m In New England and my camera explodes last week in October then a 2 week lull and explodes mid November again

[@lwdeer1]

@@stefanosoderi4152 usually the last week of October maybe 20th on

[@brob-zy8zi]

I hunt Western PA mountains too. Killed a buck last year on Election day tailing a doe that was dead tired and was hours from breeding. She was so close that he busted me and still followed her to 30 yards from my stand. His drive to breed was his demise.

[@ethanalbany]

Can you do a video on prepping for an out of state bow hunting trip? Enter tag draws Gear Scouting Other tips or tricks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Sounds like a great idea Ethan!

[@DemetriSchaefer-ew7ot]

Thanks Jeff! Excellent content! I’m from North West Wisconsin and it went from the 65 in mid to late October to 45 to 30s in 2 nd week of November so wasn’t ideal of the normal pre rut activity last year because it was soo warm last year during October than late November early Dec we got that big heavy snow but luckily we had some decent mixture of soft mass to give that radiant obsorbant and deep snow down! GOOD LUCK to you this year! Seems like thes year could be completely opposite of last with temps already mid 40s at night!

[@mattmoore2036]

Same as every year.

[@ryanfarmer5155]

Rut phase in your hunting region is the exact same every season. Never changes, never has, never will.

[@dereklindberg6391]

Is the rut earlier or later that central Wisconsin? When you get up close to the Canadian border in Minnesota or North Dakota?

[@ericschwartz6600]

How about New Jersey. I’m thinking it’s the same as PA . The first week of November

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Very close ..maybe even slightly later?

[@superpoacher6711]

Benches have been a killer setup year after year! Bucks just love steep edges. They can cruise & smell what's above them & see what's below >>>------------>

[@jackelinemeter8914]

Didn’t get around to putting up a mock scrape vine last year on my property but will definitely try it this year. Shot a nice 10 pt around December with my 7.62x39 with soft point for the first time …. Thanks for all your great advice.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Right now is a great time to put one up! And that's awesome and congrats too!

[@RS-ms1bz]

Veterans Day give or take 3 days either side has always been and always will be the peak of the rut here in WV

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Sounds right for sure RS! Towards the end of it up here in the North...got to be about perfect for you down there tho. Happy 4th!

[@stefanosoderi4152]

New England seems to be about pre rut 10/25-11/4 then a week lull then it seems to be peak breeding then 2nd week of November lights up until thanksgiving

[@josephhenderson7044]

What’s your thoughts on hitting ohio 1st or 2nd week of November??? For best chances at harvesting a good buck.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Joseph! If you have one narrowed down and you have a cold front...the first week. If you are hunting more of a cruising spot and looking for any mature buck...the 2nd week.

[@thomashocker2792]

Yep that's it.

[@josephhenderson7044]

Okay, yes we are heading the for the second week. Thank you for the response back good luck on 2023 season.

[@jamessims0201]

Jeff when is the best time to watch a bedding area or the route to a bed.?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi James! Anytime during the rut, in the morning 😊

[@jerryshowens3049]

Thanks Jeff for another great video.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome Jerry...thanks a lot for watching!

[@BigDaddy-vn3ww]

Wrong on he KY RUT info if you wait to mid November then you missed it!!!! I have been hunting KY from the east to the west for 39 years and my advice is be in the stand from Oct 28 to Nov 13 all you can, generally after that its really slow until the second muzzle loader season comes in mid to lare december and then there is a second rut i guess for the does that cycling again just my 2 cents and i bet i have more 140 inch or bigger deer on the wall than most people!!! If i kill again this year i will need a bigger house!!!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

The 28th is pretty early for you...just beginning the pre Rut then sometimes it's better to be lucky than good 🤣

[@FIVE6-qk6pc]

Indiana I hunt as much as I can and pop around different properties October 30/November 14

[@luvbgrass]

Glad to hear you say this Jeff. Me and my family always have thought it comes round the same time each year here in Va. We have a couple day period the same dates every year, where my brothers and myself have killed some of our biggest bucks.

[@americafirst4585]

I’m in eastern Virginia. We have a different rut than the boys west of the blue ridge do. Good luck

[@anthonymalueg3520]

I’ve noticed sometimes you wear rubber boots and sometimes you don’t while walking in your woods .

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Tony...I always do while deer hunting and during the hunting season...but it doesn't matter the rest of the season. Depends on how wet it is or sometimes if I have shorts on or not 😊

[@momma4life91]

Why does no one talk about Maryland?😢

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Very small...but a great state! Also Delaware...

[@jeremykane686]

jeff how did the camp kicking bear day go?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Jeremy it went GREAT! We raised a lot of money and we also had 44 total kids there, which was a lot of fun too!

[@sarahpalinnextvp]

I looked at the breading information for the Commonwealth of Virginia and didn't see any information about it on the Game and Inland Fisheries website. Do you have any idea where else I could look?

[@ML-ks2lj]

I look st barometric pressure and temperature. When barometric pressure is rising nd when temperature is dropping i hunt when they meet. I use a line graph on wundermaps and today it was i believe 8 am when the pressure was the highest and the temperature was the lowest. The rain broke from last night tapered off to a light sprinkle by 8 or 9 and no rain at all by 10. Well any way that break in the rain at the low of the temp and the high at the pressure i seen a very mature doe. Didnt shoot her cause i want her bred. The herd also needs a few mature doe to teach em. Csnt have a bunch of 2 year old does leading the heard

[@blauer2551]

It doesn’t matter when the rut is, I have November 15-19 off work.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Here in SC its typically between Oct 15- Nov 15

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Definitely! Your state agency lists thru Thanksgiving, with the 2nd rut occurring in late December...don't forget about that 😉

[@donaldvonlintig8445]

Well at least Jeff didn't "Bust My Bubble"😂 because he's 100% right on, when the Rut is gonna be this year..After 45 years of Bowhunting , and Studying Whitetails, went to all the North American Whitetail Seminars back in the 80's and listened to all the great "Concepts about the Moon", effecting the timing of the rut,etc. I've read the books from the late Jeff Murray, and Charles Alsheimer (R.I.P) who happened to be from my home state, but after spending countless hours, over 45 years, hunting across several states, every year, I totally agree, "The Rut Will Take Place, The Same Time, Every Year, In The Same Area" Regardless if it's the "Second Full Moon, After The Autumn Equinox"... or New Moon, etc.. Just hope for cool temperatures, during that time period, and stay in the stand from Sunrise to Sunset.

[@scottkatzenberger4758]

The rut does happen the same time every year in your area but the moon definitely does have an effect on when the deer are on their feet during daylight in my opinion. Hunt 3 hours before the full moon which this year was October 28th. My deer movement that eve was spectacular

[@nowherespecial6780]

I bet that would be a great way to decide when the rut takes place. Is here in maine. Just remember what month that you saw baby fawn in the spring. And know what a deer's gestation. Is . Then count the days or months back. That would probably put you in the ballpark

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

For 1 doe for sure!

[@matthewwichtner2935]

When are you setting up your scrapes with licking branches? And I heard you talk about year-round scrapes. Which I have observed in the woods. Can you give a little more feedback.

[@matthewwichtner2935]

I've been using scrapes and licking branches for a long time. Swear by them. But always looking for better info or more info😊

[@keithdavis4683]

Don't kill does you will see big bucks in rut.

[@davidmingues9553]

Hey Jeff ,,,,how do i find the info on your web class ??? I would like to know how it works and cost,,monthly ,,yearly,,?? Im clearly not rich so i can't have you come out so i thought this might be an option for me. Thanks David M.

[@leeforsyth2036]

I sure appreciate your shout out to Georgia,, just like you all Northern Hunters, were hunters too, the Southern man stand strong with you Northern men as Americans.. Your words of wisdom, so what developed and understood, your teachings, a older Buck’s movement, the amount of time you spent in the woods, learning them, and so willing to share with us,, and others, so true,, I don’t even want to share, due to competitiveness, because I am so ready to Go, but patients, as I heard you and understood from You, most importantly, as you have so well taught clearly, no pressure now, looking forward, but capitalize when they come to us by design. Unbelievable how much I’ve learned over the last week from You and Dilland.. can’t wait..

[@jacobnichols8480]

Mid November is definitely spot on for south east ks. Every year the activity is wild

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

It is crazy down there then!

[@johnclardy7703]

Was your Redneck in this vid set up solely to hunt the licking branch in the woods or are you also set up to hunt the field behind you?

[@janitorialguy4436]

Great stuff, easy listening. Thanks Jeff

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's great to hear...thank you!

[@ScottGager-c4w]

NJ magic day is November 9th killed and seen more big bucks on that day !!!!!

[@kurtpearson2793]

First

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

For sure Kurt!

[@naturecallzzz-soothingsoun1421]

Jeff you the man!!🔥 im in wv what would be good pre rut dates and peak rut date be in my state??? I have the app already but tryin to figure out date to call off for huntcavtion lol

[@josephhenderson7044]

I’m heading to Ohio to hunt in November if you were me would you go after 1st or 2nd week?

[@Jrdienst]

Ive been keeping a journal of the deer activity and ive been putting it together ive had a big 8 come in 2 weeks before October literally almost the opening day using doe estrus but it almost crawled up the stand

[@ericwittman3]

I live on the Delmarva Peninsula in Maryland. Pre-Rut kicks in the last week of October every year without exception. Rut starts around 4-7th of November. My only rut watch is the calendar. Pre-Rut is by far my favorite time to hunt.

[@jimgreen9731]

Great advise sir...what would you think about doing some talk on the eastern shore Md...

[@josephhenderson7044]

Thank you for responding back I appreciate it. Good luck for 2023.

[@classicrocker889]

This Video is amazing , I will watch it several times because of all of the content. Thank you so Much.

[@alandecker8912]

Here in Michigan I've noticed the rut usually starts around my wedding anniversary October 27th. That's the same time my wife goes into heat. Dinner and a movie usually helps get the juices flowing 👌

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Haha, I bet Alan 😁

[@jimbooutdooradventures7521]

Alan I am the guy that mows your lawn. Rest assured y our wfe s in heat during the summer. Pete

[@alandecker8912]

@jimbooutdooradventures7521 nice try but I'm Dutch. I'm not paying anyone to mow my lawn. They could revoke my Dutch card.🤣🤣

[@alandecker8912]

@@jimbooutdooradventures7521 you'll have to do better than that Jobe

[@jesseholmes7313]

Content idea: Do rut activity by state on the east coast. Plenty of us guys want a snapshot of info of our state and we’re listening over here! Don’t hear much about NC!

[@ihus9950]

👍🏻

[@davidshepard9455]

Jeff, do you think it would be a good time to hunt in Greene county Illinois 10/. 16 - 20 th ? Thanks

[@davesi56]

Thanks for the info Jeff! Do you make a map for the rut throughout the midwest? Specifically SE Wisconsin. 😇

[@timhaddix5024]

He's off a couple weeks here in wv on pre rut. That's OK. He definitely has great knowledge to share. Appreciate you!

[@blind-dateoutdoorssportsma547]

How many ruts are there. One, broken down into a pre rut, a rut, and a post rut. The pre rut is a signal to the bucks, "it's time meet me back here in 28 days, thanks". The rut is assigned to the second time the first doe comes into estrus and continue til all doe are bred. Do all doe come into heat at the same time as other doe. No. In any given area, is the rut on everywhere at the same time. No. This is because there are multiple doe herds in any given area, and although these doe herds crisscross and mingle among each other, each doe is on their own estrus clock. The reason one portion of a property is on fire while other parts are not is because not all doe are in estrus at the same time. You want to hunt the rut, hunt where the doe is that is in heat, find the bedroom of doe are in heat; not the one that is not. You want to catch bucks traveling from one doe herd to the next, from one bedroom doe herd to the next, then hunt pinch points, travel routes between the doe herds and the bedding and feeding areas they use. Breding, dependent upon the health, the population, and the seasonal conditions, can start as early as Sept and can end as late as June. Yes, deer that are born too early or too late with regards to weather and predator populations will likely die. It is a part of the natural design. Happy >>>-----------> hunting

[@johndlouhy3334]

Thx Jeff. Love the knowledge that you share…it sure is very informative not to mention enjoyable to watch…keep up the good work!

[@beachralph]

Thanks Jeff for your incredible talent and information that you have to help out guys like me appreciate you and your work and knowledge 👍👍👍👍

[@jamiehorn3530]

Love doing mock scrapes. Started that last year. Seen 5 different bucks at the scrape!! Great video

[@mattalderton3723]

Thanks Jeff I always look forward to your rut forecast it's always a good reminder and refresher for me hunting season is just around the corner good luck this year

[@JoeBrown-zh3hg]

No such thing as a secondary rut.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh so wrong you are, unfortunately for you 😉