Rut Reports and Predictions
Your home for all things whitetail rut related. All the theories, predictions, and analysis throughout the season
The Whitetail Rut. It’s that special time of year that every deer hunter looks forward to in anticipation of peak deer movement and a chance at that target buck. Below we break down some of the various theories behind the timing of the rut as well as share research and findings to hopefully help you plan your rut hunts this year.
Rut Timing Based on Biology
Most research studies conclude that the timing of the rut is around the same time every year and is linked to the amount of sunlight during a 24-hour period - the photoperiod. As we move deeper into fall and the days grow shorter, the hormones in deer start to pick up that begin to trigger breeding activity.
Several studies have shown that peak breeding activity occurs around the same time every year. In fact, the National Deer Association published an article in 2014 that concluded bolded that there is no link between the moon phase and the peak rut. Interestingly enough as part of this study, the center of breeding activity fell during the same 4-day period 8 out of the 9 years the study was done. Wild.
Taking this into consideration, we typically see peak breeding happening around the middle of November, so as hunters we want to target those ~10 days leading up to that peak activity when those mature bucks start to cut loose looking for does in estrus.
The Rutting Moon
Another popular theory out there on the rut is related to the timing of the moon, also known as the rutting moon. Some hunters and camps fully embrace the moon phases and the impact on deer, so it’s worth mentioning here.
The Rutting Moon is known as the second full moon after the autumnal equinox, September 22nd, which this year falls on November 8th. If you believe in the rutting moon and the theories behind it, this timing aligns well with when we typically see deer movement reach its peak. This leads many to believe that we’ll have a shorter, more intensified rut compared to previous years when we had two full moons in October.
Looking at the moon calendar for November and taking into consideration what we mentioned above, those first couple of weeks in November should be peak rut activity. We should see a more concentrated rut this year given the timing of the full moon.
So what does this all mean?
Whether you believe in the effect that the moon can have on deer behavior or not, it’s important to take into all considerations when planning your early November hunts. Deer movement during the rut can vary season to season due to the weather, buck-to-doe ratios, other hunting pressure as well as food availability. No season is the same, but with a little planning and just time in the stand, you can set yourself up to have some amazing action in the stand.
Quiver Data-Driven Rut Predictions
Looking across all the data tracked in the Quiver App we’re able to do some pretty interesting analysis to better understand deer movement and behavior. Check out some of the links below where we dig into hunts by region and state to help us all better understand when deer are moving.
Check out our Regional Rut Reports as well as our blog post on When is the Rut?
Rut Predictions and Analsysis
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When is the Rut?
Analysis on when peak deer activity occurred in October and November 2021
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Regional Rut Reports
Dive more into the research and studies done on what triggers the rut to better plan your hunts this year.
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Planning Your Post Rut Hunt
Some strategies and tactics to consider for those post rut hunts
Rut Predictions and Analsysis
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6 Tips for Hunting the Whitetail Rut
The whitetail rut is the most exciting time of the year for hunting whitetails. Check out these six tips to consider when hunting this time of year.
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How to Plan for the Rut
Dive more into the research and studies done on what triggers the rut to better plan your hunts this year.
