November Bucks Lead

Why Last-Chance November Bucks are the Best of All

There may be fewer bucks moving at this time, but don’t forget there also are fewer hunters in the woods. Look for buck patterns to re-emerge around food sources first.

How to Create a Buck Showstopper

Scents, mock rubs or scrapes, decoys or even upturned earth may stop a curious buck long enough to create a brief shooting window.

Rut Strategies: Hunt Wide-Open

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.

Know-How: Lessons From The Rut

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

Late Rut Options

Not all of the hottest whitetail action takes place in November. In several places across the whitetail's southern range, the best rut hunts fall in January.

Michael Waddell’s Rut Time Strategies

It may be the easiest time of the year to take a big buck, but let’s face it, you can still screw it up. Here’s how Michael Waddell approaches the rut.

Hunting the Rut: A 7-Day Guide

To get the most out of the rut: Spend your time where the does concentrate, hunt from the outside in and save the high-risk high-reward stands for the last two days.

Whitetail Season: Pre-Rut Plans

Bill Winke reveals his pre-rut plans, and advises you on how to go about solidifying your strategy for this season.

How to Adjust to the Rut’s Phases

The rut calls for a series of adjustments. As the bucks change their behavior patterns, you need to be there waiting for them.

How to Age a Whitetail

How can you tell the difference between a 2½-year-old buck and a mature 5½-year-old deer in those few tense seconds before you shoot or don’t shoot? Start by familiarizing yourself with the ever-changing features of the whitetail buck.

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