Hunting Bucks, Not Does, During Rut?

Anyone care to share their experience on this? Just wondering how many have kept the "buck hunting only" mentality during the rut. Lots of people say this is the way they hunt the rut, but the majority always wind up looking for does and doe travel routes instead of staying focused on "going after" the buck.

Opinions? Ideas? Experiences?

 

I'm no expert but during the rut, hunting the does and doe bedding areas, is essentially hunting the bucks... as they are on their feet scent checking from doe bed to doe bed, looking for hot does.

Or the travel corridors between doe bedding areas is where I have seen a decent amount of buck travel, but mostly during the pre rut and peak. Again, I'm no expert, this is based off of reading up on it, and trying these areas at our farm last year. I saw bucks... but I did not close the deal last year.

 

True enough, but what about where the Bucks bed during the rut? I realize it will likely be closer to does, but can you still hunt him exclusively without the help of the doe travel and bedding areas? No really wrong answer to this. Just looking for experience and opinions.

 

I try to key in on what a particular few bucks are doing during season...but during rut that could be anything/everything/ and anywhere/everywhere. I have seen no rhyme or reason to a bucks actions once he starts finding hot does....so I hunt near the does and hope like hell one of the bucks I'm after or a new one will follow behind.

BUT, I have so far proven to suck at both, so maybe I should change this! ha

 

If your goal is mature bucks, one thing I have learned is to hunt 100 yds or so down wind of the doe bedding area instead of on top of them.Try to find some sort of pinch point to raise your odds, and don't worry about deer sign, its probably better if you don't see much. A shy old buck will often scent check from a distance without exposing himself .Remember, unless you hunt a real low pressure area, the old ones got old by doing something different than a majority of the herd.

 

I don't like dealing with bucks chasing does. I want to catch him before he catches them, if that makes sense. I don't want to be right where the does congregate.

Young deer may still run willy nilly after does, but the older bucks are still gonna prove much more cautious. Even during the rut.


[QUOTE]f you know where a buck will be in Nov......and it's Nov......do you really need to go looking for him?
[/QUOTE]

Good point. IF.

 

See, that is what I am getting at Jeff. Lots of folks don't give themselves these variables. Rut comes in and it's does or nothing. I still see other ways of getting to the buck "before" he gets to the does. (Or vice versa):D

 

Makes me wonder how many of the older bucks lay up in their bed and "wait" for that smell, instead of getting on their feet and looking for it.

How many of these wiser bucks travel just a little more covertly than their younger counterparts while trying to get a whiff? Makes me wonder if their bedroom(s) are not "always" the best bet. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe not.

 

That is exactly what I believe on my property Jeff. Buck:Doe ratio way out of whack. Young bucks will be young bucks. Old bucks do not get that way being so careless. On my property the does have several travel routes, several beds, and really do not have to travel the same each day for their survival needs. Chasing them in efforts to cut a good buck is a big gamble at best. I want to increase my odds on at least seeing "that" deer. Every hunt.

 

I understand what you are saying Jeff. What is proven effective should never be completely dismissed. Just thinking outside the box a little.