8 Tips for Hunting the Pre-Rut | Myth Buster - Deer Activity is NOT Based On Moon Phase (578)

Hunters should not discount hunting during the pre-rut! Things are ramping up for the rut with lots of deer activity: scrapes opening up, a few does are now receptive with bucks seeking those does, bucks move further distances outside their home range. Grant explains the biology behind deer activity - deer breeding cycles (debunking the moon phase activity myth with deer biology). Then watch for advice on the best tactics to hunt this cycle of the rut!
0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Definition of Rut/Pre-Rut
1:05 - Doe Breeding Cycles
2:28 - Scrapes
3:25 - Moon Phase Myth
8:20 - How to Hunt Pre-Rut
9:28 - Traveling Bucks
9:50 - Home Range
11:37 - Travel Corridors
12:01 - Food Sources
12:15 - Water Sources
12:37 - Down Wind Side
13:00 - Time of Day

[@monsterhog1118]

I'm hoping this video will help settle a few deer camp arguments

[@dozierlester3971]

Doubt it. "Emotions Block Logic"

[@GrowingDeerTV]

I hope so too!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Sadly - many folks do accept old tales versus research results.

[@useryggfdcc]

Super interesting!

[@OptimizeNurse]

"A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still." (Unsure of the original source)

[@jeremyrmooney]

Another great fact based video from Dr Grant and the growing deer team. Thank you

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@grosmince]

I gotta love how all this excellent content is substanciated by scientific evidence, down to moon phase studies, and yet is presented as some creation. That’s cute. And still very pertinent and well presented.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks!

[@dwainegaransi938]

Best videos on KZbin good luck hunting this year

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Duaine - Thanks for sharing the kind words!

[@mtnbiker0205]

This video makes a lot of sense. I am in Mid to South Florida and just recently witnessed a spotted fawn very young in the woods. I was confused as to why it still had spot as I am accustomed to seeing young fawns this late in the season without any spots.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

There's always a few does that will breed late. You made a neat observation.

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

Great educational video Grant. Nice to see you cover topics that most people take for granted. Sometimes its the simple things about a hunt that make a huge difference. And that gets over looked with all the satisfaction in today's hunting world.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks!

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

Lol. I just seen it autofilled satisfaction. Instead of satisfaction. Lol.

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

Wow. Nevermind. You know what im trying to say. I hate smart phone.

[@hughphillips67Mustang]

Sophistication

[@ModernGentleman]

Yep, it's so simple. We've been hunting for 2 million years, lol. Throw out some bait. Get out EARLY. Sit down. Shut up. Aim for that front pocket 😉

[@tannerwills7286]

Great information. Thanks Dr. Woods!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timothyhowell7047]

I watch 3 hunting shows. I watch seek one, because their ga boys like myself. Mountain deer because the way they hunt is so much different but alot of great info. And you . Your info is more on the level of the way I hunt and have learned alot over the last few years. Thanks Mr Grant and the people you have with you for everything you do and recognizing the creator.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Timothy! Enjoy creation!

[@MrDuckett1]

Really appreciate all the information that you share Dr. Woods. Thank you for being such a public advocate of hunting.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Charley and we will!

[@rodneyalbirght6900]

Thank you for the great information. I'm a big fan of your shows

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks for the kind words and I hope our paths cross soon!

[@southcentralfishing5257]

Thank you sir! I’ve learned so much🙏🏼

[@GrowingDeerTV]

You are welcome!

[@blakekopech2871]

love listening and learning from you.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Blake!

[@davesi56]

I have to agree with Michael, thanks for the info!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

David - Thanks for the kind words!

[@cameronisabeast1000]

Thank you for your tips, going out in the morning after the big 13pt Mr Krabs

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Have a great hunt!

[@ignaciobernal6045]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge sir.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Ignacio - Thanks for watching!

[@joshlatcha9540]

Thanks for the video I’m going out tmr hunting for bucks cruising thru my corridor wish me luck!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Have a great hunt Joshua!

[@mattreynolds792]

This video is really helpful keep posting more like this

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Matt!

[@brianstiff5680]

Great tips Grant. Thanks.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

You bet!

[@Bobb1julie]

An excellent toutorial Dr Grant ..Thank you.. The pics are outstanding

[@GrowingDeerTV]

You are very welcome

[@timchirhart9543]

You are absolutely correct, the moon has nothing to do with the breeding of does...Really appreciate your thoughts and studies on this.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Tim!

[@stevedenoyer5956]

Great stuff Dr Woods many people believe the moon influences the rut. I too prefer morning hunts. In my area the bucks seem to move more during this time frame.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Steve - I prefer morning hunts also. Sometimes it's tough to get into areas in the morning without alerting deer.

[@ModernGentleman]

Yep every buck Ive ever shot was between 730-1030am.

[@lesliewilson9618]

Lot of great info thanks great channel

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Leslie!

[@jeremyc.3848]

Incredible information as always from you Dr Woods. About fawns being born and does being bred at just the right time is another great example of how perfect The Creator has made everything. This video just increases my appreciation for what The Creator has done!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Jeremy - Absolutely! We can learn so much by studying creation!

[@craig5222]

Amen

[@alananderson2961]

Awesome video 😊

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Alan - Thanks!

[@NorthwoodsPeachTree]

Great video thanks for sharing totally cool

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks for watching and kind words!

[@jasonhunt3300]

Best informal video I've ever seen

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Jason!

[@swamprat9018]

Our does start being breed around Sept 20th and peaks around the first week of Nov. The number of fawns I come across during turkey season last half of the April has shown the start of breeding here. You did point out something that explains why we got some really poor looking young deer and others normal, If they were born real late that would explain that.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Swamp - Yes - a late birth date results in many yearlings having only spike antlers - this has nothing to do with genetics.

[@ModernGentleman]

I jave a friend who INSISTS on hunting the moon cycle. It's so aggravating, lol. I've been telling him for years that it's nonsense, but he's stuck on it like a ritual. Here in Michigan, the rut is always the last week of October or so through mid-late November. In 20 years, I've never looked at the moon cycles and have always been successful. The rut is always within the same 3 or 4 week period every year.

[@patg2544]

Boom science! Thanks for the info.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Patrick!

[@sountherngrown9118]

I'm a young hunter, and that's very useful information.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks and have a great season!

[@N1CKAND0]

Great info in here 👍👍

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Nick!

[@robydean7]

What role do genetics play in rut activity? I am told that in my home area, the rut is totally different on one side of a huge man made lake (Eufaula, Alabama) than a pocket of acreage on the other side. We in the deep south had deer transplanted in different areas (across) numerous states coming (from) different states.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Most states restocked whitetails. However, the conditions in the south are mild enough that early and late born fawns can survive. Florida has the most varied rut dates. There's deer rutting/being born about 11 months out of the year in Florida - with different areas having different breeding dates.

[@keithfreeman5840]

Excellent information!! I’ve been saying for many years, that God knows when the fawns need to be born, so He designed the breeding time to coincide with optimal fawning time. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and success tips. May God continue to bless you!!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Keith - Thank you for the blessing!

[@scottsgonehunting]

Great video thanks

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks!

[@johnnyandrowdyoutdoors8025]

Hi you are the best youtube channel

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Johnny!

[@trentherring5640]

I've hunted the same woods for 21 years. The main time (rut and actual time) of the mature buck movement hasn't changed. I will say that I've killed my oldest bucks between 11:30am and 4:00pm. I hunt mainly woods not crop fields. My best dates are from November 9th to November 20th?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Trent - Sounds like you've had fun!

[@sethswords9800]

here in north MS most deer are breeding between dec 6- dec 13 from what ive read most buck activity ive seen is normally around thanksgiving and christmas im assuming thats boths sides of that curve?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Seth - Yes - Simply move the peak of the curve to fit the peak of the rut where you hunt.

[@KMS_Bismarck_Ironblood]

I hope in SC I'm on the right track hunting Oct 21 to the end of November

[@GrowingDeerTV]

KMS - It depends on where you hunt - mountains or coastal plain.

[@slimjon3sy553]

How late in the morning should we hunt during the pre-rut? (I live in south GA)

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Trent - there are lots of factors, but we try to hunt till at least 10 am or later!

[@jamesevans7537]

Now that you clarified the rut/moon relationship, clarify this for me. I've been told that a full moon overnight will make them shift their movement times. Full moon over night makes them less active during the day. No moon at night makes then move more during daylight hours. True or false? Also, does the moon rise/set time affect movement? Love your information! Keep it up!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

James - There's been 1,000's of deer fitted with GPS collars and there's no evidence that the phase of the moon impacts when deer are active. When deer are jumped at night, the can sprint through thick timber and not hit trees. Deer activity is not dependent on moon light. Study after study shows deer primarily move during dawn and dusk year round.

[@jamesevans7537]

@@GrowingDeerTV thanks for that! I've questioned this allot, but never had info from a definitive study on that particular aspect. Thanks for all you do!

[@joshblevins7609]

I recently moved to northeast Alabama and hunters here say the rut is end of January 1st of February. I moved from Georgia (25 miles away) and our rut was always 3rd week ish of November. How can there be such a variance in just 25 miles? Or are the hunters I'm talking to in Alabama just misinformed? Thanks!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Josh - There is a difference in the timing of the rut in parts of Alabama compared to Georgia. There are many theories but I'm not aware of any definitive research on this subject. Restocking differences seem to be the mosts viable theory.

[@himesjb]

This makes total sense. They breed when they need to, at the time that best supports survival. Can they be a bit more nocturnal, though, at those full moon times that are so bright that it's safer than cruising in the day? I remember just not seeing them around at all at full moon phase. Also -- does the research still support the idea that you're twice as likely to see bucks when the barometric pressure causes a huge temperature drop? I have seen this in lots of videos and magazines.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Research shows there's no relationship with any aspect of the moon and when deer are active. I know, some folks hate to accept this because they've been told/believed otherwise. However, the dataset is huge. A temperature drop of 10% or more from normal for that day does seem to results in an increase in daytime deer activity this time of year!

[@himesjb]

@@GrowingDeerTV thank you! Your videos are the best, and I have learned a ton of things I have never seen elsewhere. I appreciate how you encourage us all to take time each day to listen to our Creator. That is so encouraging to hear and reminds me to make that time.

[@ML-ks2lj]

Access is key for morning hunting and evening hunts even because you are entering with limited light. If you don't have good access it's not a good spot

[@GrowingDeerTV]

M L - I agree!

[@irenewilliams8468]

Why is the rut in south Alabama in January, but yet the rut is Thanksgiving just a few hundred miles due east in Georgia? The weather and food is similar.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Irene - Great observation! No research has proved why deer breed later in that area. It is a bit different soil in that portion of Alabama and the Gulf coast warms up earlier during the spring than that portion of Georgia. Locals can enjoy two rutting season within a short drive!

[@johndeerefan3873]

For today or In the coming days. Would you hunt wood travel corridors, acorns, food plots, ag fields? This is in central missouri

[@GrowingDeerTV]

There are lots of variables. I'd scout for fresh sign if you have time. Deer are feeding on acorns at my place and at several of my friends. More importantly, hunt where you can approach and hunt without alerting deer! The wind and thermal direction may be a big factor in where you hunt.

[@zzz7zzz9]

Dude, just hunt. Your odds are increased 100% just by being out there.

[@catfishbass3985]

Soooo... I live in Missouri and its my first year of bow hunting when are the best rut dates i heard nov 7th and and 10th and 15th but idk if its true can u make a video about the best days.

[@strikeforcek9149]

It's different in different regions of the country, and even can be different from one area of a county and even to the next! So, there aren't really "best dates" to go off of, as it's all seasonal and temperature related. Thus, starting around a few days into November and all the way up through mid to late December is when most guys hunt the most, too ensure they're going out in the rut no matter what. Always remember these things: - Deer don't use calendars, and they don't operate on a calendar schedule. - Hunt as most as you can (without burning out a single stand or area) to get the best chances to get your deer. - Deer can be got at anytime of the season. The rut isn't the only time that deer are getting harvested, as they are moving the entire season (example: on October 16th, WELLLL before the rut in my area, I has the biggest buck I've ever seen come crashing out of the brush and damn near running into my stand when I made a buck contact call and had some normal buck urine wick hanging in the tree.) So, they can be harvested at anytime really. - You'll have a better chance at getting a deer if you're in the woods on any given day, than you will if you're at home sitting on the couch.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Catfish - the rut is a continuum and not a best day. There will be more buck movement as more does become receptive.

[@garrettlassmannfhd9594]

Went on second bow hunt of the year this morning only saw 2 does

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Garrett - See two does sounds good!

[@rowdyrod7870]

Would these tips work for northwest blacktail deer?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Rowdy - Most of them will!

[@johndyer9232]

Calender date is tied to sunlight, specifically amount of sunlight during the day, not just moon phase. So I assume length of days is what affects breeding activity not moon phase.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

John - You are correct! The amount of daylight determines antler growth cycles, when does become receptive, etc. Day length determines hormone production which controls these cycles.

[@johndyer9232]

@@GrowingDeerTV Does moon phase affect how early/late in the day deer move?

[@terryleblanc6868]

Would you believe the rut is in August, September on the coastal marshes of South Louisiana.. fawning occurs midwinter..

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Terry - yes - so those fawns can be born at the best time for that area.

[@hvlineman5227]

The folks over at the Deer Society channel are probably going to drop their price now on their cute little childish “Red Moon” pinwheel they sell to all the gullible hunters.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

HV - Just sharing the results of good research.

[@weswillmon6423]

I have one tree in the timber where the deer pee and poop on it as well as rub up on it.This tree seems like a sent post for the deer. What do you think it is

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Wow! That's a lot of sign! I hope you have some great hunts there!

[@dirtlegchaser2424]

you sure youre not hunting hogs?

[@ryanford7836]

I just think during the rut the moon phase thing is less accurate. But up untill the rut I patterned 70% of my deer on certain moon phases with one of my cameras that tracked moon of phases so out of 7,700 pictures 70% of them were dying wan.gibbous and wan crescent. It’s clear proof. But now that the rut is here they are now changing everything that I learned from the moon phase theory. Thanks for video

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Ryan - I'm glad you are collecting data!

[@zzz7zzz9]

The dawn/dusk movement thing is true, but i've shot the huge majority of my deer during the midday hours, 11-1.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Hunt when you can but the odds are best during the early morning and late afternoon. It sounds like you enjoy hunting during the rut.

[@zzz7zzz9]

@@GrowingDeerTV even in september. One's odds are infinitely increased just by being out. So many hunters go back to camp for lunch and to relax. Those are the hours i have always made sure to be hiking through the trees, while everyone else isn't. And it's paid off alot.

[@zacbrehm5467]

I'm curious as to if temperatures in the 60s or 70s will keep bucks from moving during the rut?

[@anthony-ip2ox]

Most of the movement is at night when it's hot

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Zac - Sure! Fawns are born at the same time each year so the rut occurs during the same days each year. If it's warmer than normal more of the activity may be during the night.

[@erikerway3896]

I haven't hit the woods yet I broke a couple strings on my bow and working to get it fixed.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Ouch! I hope you can hunt again soon!

[@jamesmartin7282]

Thanks for debunking the moon phase myth. The late great Charles Alsheimer spent decades trying to prove the moon phase myth. At the conclusion of his research, he correctly concluded that the moon has no influence on rut timing. But he was so invested in the theory that he dropped the science and kept pushing the moon phase myth, maybe because he made significant income selling moon phase wheels and articles about rut timing.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

James - Charlie was a smart guy and world class photographer! He was involved in research and it's easy to get sweep up on the moon theory. We all want an easy answer but following creation is always easy and leads to the truth.

[@ernestbryant2561]

So does the moon play a factor in deer movement at all

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Ernest - Many research projects have shown that any aspect of the moon including phrase, declination, distance to the surface of the earth, etc, has no impact on when deer are active or their behavior.

[@travislogsdon8691]

Nice video, I can talk hunting sunrise to sunset 🦌🦌🦌🦌

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Me too!

[@melvinbarnes6652]

Agree 100%

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks!

[@saved.gabriella0867]

Where in Arkansas do y’all hunt? If y’all still hunt there.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Heath and Lindsey hunt in the southwest - near Mena.

[@virginianative847]

Central Appalachian MTN hunting for whitetail deer, is some of the hardest hunting in the US guarantee it besides Michigan.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Mountainous areas are always tough to hunt given they are primarily covered with timber and thermals often are dominate over wind direction.

[@cmxvirunit9468]

Is this the same for California mule and black tails?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Ricky - The pattern is the same. The timing may vary a bit pending on where you hunt. Enjoy!

[@cmxvirunit9468]

@@GrowingDeerTV thanks for replying!

[@zzz7zzz9]

I'm in BC, and our rut timing is pretty much spot on to his graph.

[@ChickManHandler]

I hunt in SC so it will be different but not a whole lot, we just don’t get snow!!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Chandler - I lived near Abbeville for years and hunted throughout SC!

[@tylerjohnston3814]

Was that Louie I seen hitting the scrapes??

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Tyler - last year.

[@mitchellshirk2533]

Subscribers: get your life truth from Scripture, and get truth about Whitetail Biology and hunting from this channel. This was a fantastic episode and so well explained. Thank you for this video, Dr. Woods.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Mitchell - Thanks for watching!

[@rikkischleimer294]

What state do you hunt in.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Rikki - We primarily hunt in Missouri - in the Ozark Mountains!

[@rikkischleimer294]

@@GrowingDeerTV thank you any tipps for ground blind hunting with a crossbow in NE

[@charleywalker2982]

👍

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks!

[@jax9224]

Remember people he said the moon does not have any effect on the breeding. He did not say anything about the moon effecting deer movement. Two different things people.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Jax - Lots of research shows that no aspect of the moon's orbit has any impact on when deer are active.

[@vaportrail226]

I do have a somewhat dissenting opinion to the title more so than what was actually said in the video. However, I did learn how to pronounce crepuscular. Until now I've only read that word.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Vapor - Why do you disagree?

[@vaportrail226]

@@GrowingDeerTV Not a complete disagreement. I've been studying the deer herd in East central Kentucky for 10 years. Moon phases seem to impact deer movement from the fawning period through late summer. With all the other variables involved; I could write an essay. Could be coincidence but at least it's very consistent. I haven't identified anything that effects rutting behavior. It just is. One local myth I wish would die involves the timing of the rut. Lots of folks say, "it's gonna be an early rut, last week of October" or "I seen some silk worms, deer not rutting til December." What I've observed, it's the same time every year. Fawn survival and what not. So not calling bullshit on the video. I just have evidence there's some complexity here.

[@ML-ks2lj]

I was about to comment about webs being born and the rut. Simply put they cant survive the cold. I actually just seen a doe give birth I believe 2 weeks ago which is very strange and unlikely but when I was glassing her in the field I seen her standing there kind of distraught and wobbly with a blood rear end. I thought they I'm going 5i have to stalk and burn a tag to take her out of her misery she must have gotten hit by a car. Then I seen her start kicking at something with her front legs and then I see a wobbly small eared creature trying to stand through the thick grasses. She kept pushing st it with her snout and her feet so the only thing I could think of is she gave birth. In hindsight I probably should have called the DNR but I just walked and let nature be nature. If it was a late birth then that's just what it was and it will be a meal for a predator I guess

[@GrowingDeerTV]

M L - Where? What state?

[@virginianative847]

Appalachian MTN hunting takes completely different techniques than Midwest, and upper states hunters use

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Nah - Hunting in the mountains can be tough!

[@lavernepangrazio9999]

Moon has nothing to do with Rut but does on deer movement. 10 till 2 magical time.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks for sharing. What information is that based on? I run a lot of trail cameras and year in and year out the peak movement in and out of season is around daylight and dark. This is the same with deer that wear a GPS collar. I hope this helps. There's gads of research published about this.

[@bromma1979]

8:06 dude looks like a mule deer!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

That was a nice looking whitetail!

[@robbourn7379]

Moon HOAX 😂 Shortness of the days sets the rut off. Want be 1 or 2 calander days different every year up north. Jerry Everhart- hunt fish journal has this figured out the best I've heard.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Rob - Researchers decades ago determined that the amount of light each day determines the breeding cycle in deer. The moon isn't a factor in the timing of the rut. There's gads of data about this.

[@danorris5235]

Moon phase people are hilarious. It's present in the fishing community too, and they're equally full of it.

[@jonbartello3082]

Agree with moons non factor 100%

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Jon - Too much research showing there's no relationship between any aspect of the moon's orbit and deer activity.

[@jonbartello3082]

@@GrowingDeerTV Here in western New York State I commonly see fawns dropped at the same time every year , from as early as may 16 thru first cutting of alfalfa into early June.

[@givehimthemolkjosh2665]

Why am I watching this? I’m a vegetarian... No hate by the way!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

No hate taken and I'm glad you are watching!

[@voxpopuli905]

What’s with this dude and his weird hat habits ? LoL

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Vox - I've had two kidney transplants and the meds make me very susceptible to skin cancer. Broad brimmed hats are a great sun blocker!

[@voxpopuli905]

@@GrowingDeerTV oh. Apologies I didn’t know that