October Lull?

[KentuckyTJ]

Have heard that phrase for years and have recently seen a few threads about it. I have an observation to share.

As this year when I shoot a buck early I don't tend to put as much pressure on the private farms I hunt. As I hunt alone (no one else is stomping around) the few times I've been out I have witnessed good deer movement and have actually killed a doe on two of the three times I've been out this October.

My point here is I think the "October Lull" is really a matter of two major factors. One of which we have control over. First this is a transitional food source period here in Kentucky. Late September early October every year our deer move from the fields to the woods after the first acorns that are beginning to fall. Secondly and this is the part we have control over I believe since our season opens up the first Saturday in September our deer finally figure out that we are in the woods and begin going nocturnal simply in avoiding us.

I realize other seasons open in October and even later but increased human pressure I think is a major factor in the "October Lull". Also If you don't have many or any acorns on your stomping grounds your deer will leave in search of them.  

Thoughts?

[IndaTimber]

I've always said they still have to eat and drink! Do they move a little earlier in the AM and later in the PM, probably, but they still get on there feet.

For me, October is all about bedding areas and more afternoon hunts, more because it gives me an opportunity to get some work done around the house and property prior to everyone losing me for 2 weeks in November!!

[sweeney3]

Mast density might play a role too.  There are so many acorns to be had that little movement is needed.  Locally, water is abundant and bedding cover is all over, so deer move somewhat less during October.  Couple that with the thirty-seven varieties of firearms seasons and deer tend to quickly learn to move around less.  That does seem to shift some when the temperature drops and the food sources thin.  Once the hunters thin out, you start to see a little more movement during daytime hours.  Our season runs through February and, to me, that is a nice time to be in the woods.  You often have the place all to yourself.

[Cwilder]

Hunting pressure plays a part yes. But many other this play part on not seeing buck movement. They get their winter coats before does so the tend to move more at night. Food also plays a big part. If you have a Heavy mast crop deer do not have to travel far for food

[kennyb]

TJ-I think the October lull is in reality a major change in the search for food for the whitetail. As hunter's we need to change our habits of searching for them! Of course, there are other mitigating conditions such as: weather, hunting pressure and things like this that make movement change. Just my thoughts. Thanks.

Kenny    

[SheltonCreeker]

I agree with all posted above. Both pressure and the transition have to play roles in this "lull" period. Even tho I have killed 2 of my oldest deer to date on the 18th and 19th of Oct. So the "lull" has been good to me a few times.

[pete p]

a lull in what?? deer movement?? deer need to eat/drink and move daily to survive. killed some of my biggest bucks in the "lull". just a term to sell a magazine article. back in the early 90's a WI based outdoor writer was going to town with repeated articles in NAW magazine about this "lull"....makes no sense, this is the time of year that a deer really needs to pack on the carbs for the upcoming rut and winter, especially in the north. I think this guy was so used to driving around all summer seeing 20 deer in the field and when the deer transitioned off that summer pattern...boom the famed "lull". just my 2cents.

[ron w]

Changes in food sources, people in the woods, the approaching breeding season all contribute to the "LULL". Deer still eat, drink, poop and sleep like they always do. It could be worse, you could hunt where I do and just not have many deer at all. As discouraged as I get I still go and hope for the best......even in the Lull.

[maineac]

I know that a wide variety of feed available everywhere in the woods certainly decreases any deer's need to move.  I live in an area with almost no crops, over 90% forested.  I have been hunting areas that I have seen no sign of other people in the woods, and I try to go to the same property once a week.  Yet in several areas deer on my trail cams have gone nocturnal.  I don't know why, but an observation.

[wisconsinteacher]

I agree to all points and have one more to add.  I believe that the deer know what is coming up in the near future and are in the "calm before the storm."  The does don't want to be seen and the bucks are saving up energy and getting ready for the rut.  I also think that the falling leaves and changes fall brings does something to them.  I know the deer I have seen in the past few weeks are wired tight to all noise and movements.

[PUDDLE JUMPER]

I agree as to food availability playing a major role. Also agree that there is a biological change that takes place with bucks. But I think human pressure plays a large role in the areas I hunt.

Deer around me are much more cautious in October than they are in September. Buck movement really slows down towards the last of September.

[Bob Morrison]

Things changed here today, big time.. Have been seeing very little of everything since season opened. This morning at home in town had a buck in the common area a nice buck was acting stupid looking for stuff that wasn't there... This evening was special 15-20 Does and fawns, one good buck bothering every deer in the field, when leaving saw another buck, a good one acting the same way... Looks like a pre rut to me.

[Ron Vought]

While hunting this week I saw four buck running a doe. They are on the move.

Ron