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The Best Days to Deer Hunt in 2009

Mark Kenyon — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:56:38 +0000

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a bad day to go out hunting. Whether it’s blowing wind up your nose or freezing snot down your face, I’m all for being out in the woods. But for those people who only can get a few days off of work to hunt, it’s important to know when the prime time will be.

This being said, it’s obvious for most of us that deer hunting action is at it’s finest during the rut. But there is more to this type of science than just that. Recently Field & Stream, Outdoor Life and Deer & Deer Hunting magazines all published articles articulating when the best days to hunt in 2009 would be. Each article used a slightly different method to predict their top days, but each focused on some variation of moon phases, historical trophy production and typical weather patterns. Lets first off look at each publisher’s top days.

Field & Stream’s Best Days to Deer Hunt in 2009:

Oct 31, Nov 6, Nov 11, Nov 16, Nov 21, Nov 27 and Dec 2
Nov 11 was chosen as the best day of the year to hunt because this is the heart of the seek-and-chase phase. Bucks are raging with testosterone, but most does are not quite ready to breed. This causes bucks to frenetically check between bedding areas for receptive does.

Deer & Deer Hunting’s Best Days to Deer Hunt in 2009

Nov 2-14
Due to the “Rutting Moon” falling on Nov 2 in 2009, this time frame will encompass the majority of the seeking and chasing phases.

Outdoor Life’s Best Days to Deer Hunt in 2009

Nov 1-3, Nov 15-16, Dec 1-2, Dec 31

So what are the key things that made some days better than others across the board?

Early November days were singled out the most because it is typically the time of the seeking/chasing phases of the rut. In these phases, bucks are actively and incessantly chasing does and checking them for receptivity. This is the #1 time for calls, scents and for using your top hunting spots. Hunt all day and be aggressive with your calls.
Days were keyed out in late Nov/early December because this is the beginning of the post-rut. Peek breeding is done, so bucks and does aren’t hunkered down in thick areas to breed. Now is your chance to catch a buck refreshing old rut sign and beginning his rounds again as he prepares for the second rut, which comes into play about one month after the first peak rut.

If I were you, I would get out and hunt every single day that I possibly could. But if you need to be picky, these look to be some good options. Good luck hunting!

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Mountain Lion vs. Deer Trailcam Pic…Real or Make Believe?

Mark Kenyon — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:43:19 +0000

Could this be real?

I just saw this picture was posted on Field & Stream’s Whitetail365 and I couldn’t help but share it with all of you too. This would be an unbelievably awesome trailcam shot if it’s real. What do you think?

I’ve used Photoshop a lot and it sure seems like this looks legit, but I know there are plenty of folks who can work the Photoshop magic better than I. So what’s the verdict, amazing shot or pure fiction?

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Doe Bleats: A Must Have in Your Arsenal

Mark Kenyon — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:52:26 +0000

At about 9:30, with the rays of the morning sun peeking through the tree limbs, I saw the tell tale flash of white out of the corner of my eye. About 75 yards away from me, on the edge of my woodlot and a corn field, I saw a tall racked 6 point buck cruising with a stiff legged gait and his nose to the ground. I immediately grabbed my doe in estrus bleat can and gave it a couple turns. The 2 1/2 year old buck immediately stopped, swiveled and looked straight at me. After a moments consideration he began walking again and came directly in towards my stand. That buck took a B-line to within about 20 yards of my stand, but unfortunatly because he was behind thick cover, I was unable to get a shot. None the less, this is a perfect example of the impressive evidence of how doe in estrus bleats can bring love sick bucks into shooting range. Over the years this has been my most consistent call, and it seems to work well regardless of what phase of the rut you are in.

Here is a quick video from Field & Stream, demonstrating the proper way to use these estrus bleat can calls. I highly recommend watching this, and trying it out in the field next time you have the chance. I definitely will have my can handy when I hit the woods this Friday. Good luck hunting!

This video was produced and hosted by Peter Fiduccia, the Deer Doctor. You can learn more by visiting his website www.deerdoctor.com

For some more great insight into using doe in estrus bleats, check out this article from Deer & Deer Hunting contributor, Dan Schmidt. Click Here.

Don’t forget to check out the Deer & Deer Hunting Forums to keep up to date on the latest in deer hunting news and to get involved in some great discussions about deer hunting tips and tactics. Check it out here.

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