Doe hunting during the Pre-Rut/Rut?

This time of year is dominated by the talk of buck movement and when it comes to does, hunters only seem to care about where they are located.

But as well all know, nothing is guaranteed in the hunting world, so the chance of an empty freezer is always over our heads. With that said, will you shoot a doe during the time span of let's say October 30th to November 15th?

I've always had the mind set of letting the does go during that time but this year I have yet to fill my doe tag. If given the chance, I will probably be taking a big doe unless a shooter buck is on her tail.

 

I prefer to keep the live bait alive, never take a doe before a buck. I have one tag this year not using it on a doe

 

I don't plan on shooting a doe until the last day or last light if she is worthy. Most of the doe i've seen since the end of October, More times than not, have had a buck not too far behind them. No reason to ruin the rut hunt by taking a doe during prime hours IMO

 

I am torn on this one. I voted yes, but I would be looking hard to see if there was a buck in tow. In the end I am a meat hunter, and just about anything is a target. That said, I have been playing cat and mouse with a pretty good buck, and don't want to screw that up. So far I have had him broadside at 84 yds, and cruising by at 50 or less with no shot. Just after sunset last night he snuck by on the down wind side of me, and didn't respond at all to grunts. If I know he is in the area I will probably (maybe) pass on a doe.

 

Yupp. Yeah it's nice having does around during the rut but when you have too many why not take them out given the chance regardless the date.

 

I've went into each rut saying I'm shooting a doe if given the opportunity, then out comes a doe in range but back through the brush a glimpse of antler can be seen. I've passed so many does just knowing a buck (that never appeared) would be coming through shortly thereafter.

Last year I finally shot a small doe at the start of my vacation, during the rut. Wasn't exactly a stellar season up to that point, but I was still able to take a decent buck as well.

Now I'm of the mindset that if given the right opportunity I will take it, but if I'm buck hunting temps have to be ideal to let her lay in the truck the rest of the day if it's early.

 

As someone stated above, "live bait". I'll shoot a doe in December/January if I need the venison.

 

Yes Id shoot one. Cut off the tarsals and hang em up. Its all about having fun and getting meat. If you have bucks on their feet, taking out one doe is not going to make any difference.