Hunting Tips - Know Deer Behavior by Season

Understanding deer behavior by season is one of the most effective ways to improve your success in the field. Whitetails act very differently throughout the year, and adjusting your strategy to match can make all the difference. Here's a seasonal breakdown:

1. Early Season (September–Early October)

• Behavior: Deer are on a strict feeding pattern and are usually bedding near food. Bucks are still in bachelor groups and relatively calm.
• Key Strategy:
  • Hunt food sources (like soybeans, acorns, clover plots).
  • Pattern deer with trail cams and glassing.
  • Evening hunts are often most productive.
  • Keep pressure low — deer are easily spooked this time of year.

2. Pre-Rut (Mid to Late October)

• Behavior: Bucks start splitting off and expanding their range. They'll begin checking scrapes, rubs, and does — but are still cautious.
• Key Strategy:
  • Hunt rub lines and scrape lines.
  • Set up between bedding and food.
  • Light calling (grunts, bleats) can start working.
  • This is a great time to intercept bucks moving during daylight.

3. Rut (Late October–Mid November)

• Behavior: Bucks are in breeding mode. They'll chase does all day, often ignoring food and caution. This is prime time for daylight buck activity.
• Key Strategy:
  • Hunt all day if possible.
  • Use rattling and aggressive calling.
  • Focus on funnels, pinch points, and doe bedding areas.
  • Be ready — big bucks can show up anytime.

4. Post-Rut (Late November–Early December)

• Behavior: Bucks are worn down, more cautious, and slowly shifting back to feeding.
• Key Strategy:
  • Hunt the food — bucks are trying to rebuild energy.
  • Stay low-pressure and be patient.
  • Focus on trails between bedding and late-season food like corn, turnips, or acorns.

5. Late Season (December–January)

• Behavior: Deer are focused on survival — food, warmth, and minimal movement.
• Key Strategy:
  • Hunt evening food sources and warm weather windows.
  • Use cold fronts to your advantage.
  • Bucks may return to predictable patterns if not pressured.