Believe it, or Not: Da Rut

[Videographer]

How many of you fall into the the theory that the Moon triggers the Rut?

For those of you who aren't familiar with what I am talking about. The Rut kicks off when the 2nd full moon after the fall equinox. (in theory)

Do you think it is myth, or fact?

[bsills]

The rut is not triggered by moon phases yet by the amount of light in the day IMO

[BowTechAssassin]

I believe it is fact. But there are several contributing factors also involved. I've read that the shorter days also help. The weather can also influence the rut. If it's too hot it may restrict deer movement especially during the daylight hours.I believe hunting pressure can also make them nocturnal, so you may not notice much action. I don't believe any one thing has enough influence to activate the rut all by itself, it's takes several factors in unison. But that's just my opinion, I've been wrong before!

[jsk]

I believe there are multiple factors as well. I'm seeing more rut action now in Bosque co. Than I did in Nov.

[chrisk]

Ours usually starts after the full moon at the end of Oct. but really starts ramping up the first week or two of Nov. This year it was kind of shady and didn't seem to hit until almost the third week in Nov. but it seems to do this about every three years. Usually when this happens we have a cold Dec.Jan, and Feb. Lets hope this doesn't happen this year. With it being only about 15 degrees today it looks like it holds true.
Chris Kiefner

[47]

I believe there are multiple factors as well. I'm seeing more rut action now in Bosque co. Than I did in Nov.

Same here

[Coon]

I think it starts when the does come into estrus . And I think that is triggered by the length of daylight. But that's just my opinion.

Dave

[BowTechAssassin]

According to what I'm read over the past several years, there are also different phases of the Rut. Some say there is an early Rut in October. They say that a very small percentage of really healthy Does do infact come into estrus and are bred during this time and many experts agree.

Here is some info from the October issue of Deer and Deer Hunting:

"Then there is the primary Rut, which begins with the pre-Rut or Seeking phase. The Chasing phase, the Breeding phase and Post Rut phase. All of which are dictated by several deciding factors, first of which is the decreasing amount of daylight, which in Theory re-sets the Does reproductive clock. "

"Next part of that theory is that her estrous cycle is ready to be cued by a full moon, which provides a bright-light stimulus to the pineal gland several nights in a row each lunar month. Next the rapid decrease in lunar brightness during the moons third quarter triggers hormonal production by the pineal gland. Physiological changes prompted by the pineal gland culminate in ovulation and estrus and the Does are bred."

And from what I've read it's the second full moon after the autumnal equinox, that is called the rutting moon. There is alot of debate on this matter, but the one thing I know is Bucks abandon their instinct for survival for a short time during the peak of the rut, and that is by far, your best chance to take a truly mature deer.

[jerp]

Over the years - after a tremendous amount of study and first hand experience I have become convinced that the rut is triggered by the fact that I am not in the woods hunting. How they know this I'm not sure. I'm trying to get a government grant to flesh out my theory...

[HEARTBUSTER]

its rutin up in premont,tx dad saw alot of ruttin activies this mornin bucks chasin in full force with a nice 9 pt hangin in the tree

[qzilla]

Well, I will arrive Friday afternoon in the evening and plan on coming home just in time for Chistmas.


Does that help?

[Bisch]

I have to question that one. The rut where I live is always at the end of Oct or first part of Nov. But at my lease 2 hours south of San Antonio it dosen't start until the fist week or two of Dec. Now I know the 2nd full moon after fall eqinox is at the same time in both places.

Bisch

[Knight in Mossy Oak]

Over the years - after a tremendous amount of study and first hand experience I have become convinced that the rut is triggered by the fact that I am not in the woods hunting. How they know this I'm not sure. I'm trying to get a government grant to flesh out my theory...

I second that theory!!! Happens to me all the time...

[BowTechAssassin]

I have to question that one. The rut where I live is always at the end of Oct or first part of Nov. But at my lease 2 hours south of San Antonio it dosen't start until the fist week or two of Dec. Now I know the 2nd full moon after fall eqinox is at the same time in both places.

Bisch

Like I said, there is alot of debate on these theories. I don't believe any of what I hear/read and only half of what I see. LOL.

[Lubbock hunter]

YES, it is a proven fact that the "RUT", starts after the second full moon of the Autumnal equinox. Keep in mind though that there are multiple phases of the rut, beginning with Seeking,and ending with breeding. The seeking and chasing phases, are the best time to see big bucks. I find myself printing off moon phase charts and hunting by them religeously, with only medium to moderate accuracy compared to the info provided. Put enough time in the deer woods and you can harvest animals on a regular basis. Good luck!!!!