Had a good morning sitting on the ground with my longbow here in Eastern Missouri.
Saw 15 deer total. But all were out of range as they were either on the opposite ridge, or down in the valley a mere 60-80 yards below where I was sitting.
I did however get to catch some serious chasing. On three seperate occasions, I saw a doe bounding along in front of me as though she had been spooked, only to see a buck hot on her tail 30 seconds later.
The does were not interested in the bucks at all, so I'd guess this is the very end of the seeking phase and they are getting ready to start the full on chasing phase.
It would line up with the "Phases of the Rut"
Phase 1
Seek and Chase (October 26-November 9)
Bucks battle for dominance and look for the first receptive does.
Phase 2
Peak Breeding (November 10-November 25)
This can seem like a lull as bucks hole up with estrous females.
Phase 3
Frantic Search (November 26-December 9)
Bucks again travel far looking for a chance to breed.
Any of you guys seeing some of the same stuff??
I'm hunting in western Oklahoma and haven't seen any chasing or bucks out cruising during daylight. I rattled this morning and didn't get any takers. I also drove about 50 miles down I-40 and didn't see any road kill deer. We've been cool a few mornings, but no real cold snap. I expect things to bust loose when we get a cold front that drops temps into the 30's.
Ive seen a few bucks but they have been feeding mid morning and about an hour before dark. My brother told me he saw a lot of new scrapes this morning in the area we hunt. The rut seems to be a little later there than other areas around the state for some reason