“rutting bucks”

Sometimes deer hunters need to make something happen. Here’s when to get proactive and what to do.

The rut is here, so perhaps it’s time to throw caution to the wind. Deer don’t act normal, and neither should you.

Some spots are better than others, but most of these should be avoided.

Harvest data from Western states and provinces suggest shooting more bucks one year reduces the prevalence of chronic wasting disease the next. What’s more, the pressure on the buck segment seems to be more effective if the harvest occurs near or during the rut.

Here’s a week-by-week guide to staying in step with the rut this month to up your odds of tagging the buck you want.

Deer hunters know the rut produces unpredictable behavior in bucks. Acknowledge that, and you’ll understand why November is not the month to remain conservative. Instead “open the throttle” and hunt hard.

Being ready for the rut starts with knowing where to place your treestand—and why.

Hunters who pursue the monarchs of the West for the first time face steep learning curves if they don’t do their homework.

With your heart racing and a big buck in the scope, it’s easy to overlook the small stuff. But ignoring the details can spell disaster.