What is the Pre Rut?
Pre-Rut is triggered by mature does, those that are at least 4½ years old, going into a very short estrus cycle. This cycle lasts only 24 to 36 hours. In the northern areas of the USA, Pre-Rut usually begins in early October. Up until this short estrus cycle, bucks are still wandering around in their small bachelor groups. As soon as the smell of an estrus doe hits the air, the bucks react by making scrapes and rubs. During this 24 to 36 hour period, deer hunters who are in the woods may notice vast numbers of fresh scrapes and rubs almost appearing overnight. Noticing these new scrapes and increased deer activity as part of the pre-rut phase, could increase your odds of tagging a big buck. Being in the Right Place at the Right Time Remember, Pre-Rut only last a few days, so timing is everything. Here are some options for connecting with a big buck during Pre-Rut. Set up your deer hunting tree stand overlooking one of the new scrapes. Make sure you are downwind of the scrape. Then you
