Don’t give up when the rut ends; post-rut bucks are tough to kill, but not impossible
The post-rut is seen by many deer hunters as a good time to take a break. You hear those hunters say that since the rut is over, it is a waste of time. Bucks have disappeared. It is just too difficult to find a deer at this time. The list goes on and on. It does not have to be that way. The post-rut phase of deer season can be an opportunity to score on a nice buck, if you are willing to adjust your tactics a bit and persevere.
For a moment, let us step into the life of a mature whitetail buck. For most of the year, he lives a fairly solitary, consistent life. He may interact with a chosen buck or two. His primary focus is on food, shelter and security. However, when the rut kicks in, this methodical, semi-social animal will become an aggressive, brutal beast who will engage in violent clashes with other bucks. He will attempt to chase down every receptive doe in his territory and beyond. It is a wildly exciting time and every hunter loves to be out in the woods during this phase.
But, all good things must come to an end. By definition, the post-rut settles in once the majority of does, within a given area, have been bred. In Mississippi, the post-rut can vary widely. During this period, bucks once again refocus their efforts on locating sustenance and seclusion. Bucks are exhausted and worn out. They also may be nursing wounds from their many battles both won and lost.
Let’s look at some factors and techniques that may assist you in scoring on that mature buck:
Food sources
According to Chacahoula, La., deer hunter Nelson Dupre, it is not uncommon for mature bucks to lose up to one third of their body weight during the rut.
“This is caused by extensive chasing and reduced food intake,” he said. “As a result, bucks will be on the prowl for high quality food sources in an attempt to prepare themselves for the onset of winter.”
Pay attention to the locations where deer feed, especially during the late afternoon and early evening. Food plots that can quickly pack nutrients can be highly effective areas.
On private land where it is legal, supplemental feeding is also a great way to refuel a buck’s lost nutrition quickly. Public hunters should look for the thickest, most impenetrable areas. This will be the most likely areas for mature bucks to be bedding down.
Bedding areas
Avid deer hunter David Simoneaux said that mature bucks often seek out secluded bedding areas where they can rest and recover after the rut.
“Those bucks will bed down most of the day, from several days up to a couple of weeks, only getting up to feed and drink, then rest,” he said. “These spots are in deep cover and provide security.”
Finding and hunting near these areas can increase your chances of encountering a mature buck.
Transition zones
This brings us to transition zones. These are areas between bedding and feeding locations where bucks may travel while searching for food. Positioning yourself in these transition zones can be an effective strategy to get within close range of a mature buck. Morning hunts may be less effective than earlier in the season. When hunting the afternoons and not seeing bucks by dark, carefully push back closer to their bedding areas.
Game cams
Game cams are invaluable for finding these transition zones. They are your best choice for gathering important deer movement information. Use your game cams to detect any daytime movement. While checking the cams, be wary of too much intrusion near the bedding area so as not to spook the buck.
Deer calls
Be cautious when using deer calls. Mature bucks will not likely respond to calling at this time. Some say they may even spook bucks. The buck’s testosterone levels are dropping and their aggression has waned.
Expectations
Patience is a virtue. Remember you are hunting for a mature buck. In the post-rut phase you will not see as much deer action as you did during the rut. Enjoy your time in the field. You may score your best buck of the season or even a lifetime!
The post “Post-rut deer hunting tips” first appeared on LouisianaSportsman.com.
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