It’s that time of year…the rut is right around the corner and the excitement level for bow hunters everywhere is at its peak. However, since a case of over zealousness could possibly lead to mistakes in the woods, let’s take a look at a few guidelines to follow during the rut this year that will help you take your trophy buck home.
The first rule is simple, but one of the most important. Only hunt your stand if the wind is right for it! Many hunters schedule vacation time for a certain week, as they expect peak rut activity will take place in their particular hunting area. Because they have this time off, many hunters will hunt their stands during this time, regardless of wind direction. If you sit in your stand and know the wind is wrong, your chances of shooting a mature buck are greatly reduced – even if you do everything else right. While the big bucks are not as sharp during the rut and will make mistakes, their noses still work when they are chasing a doe.
Sit and be patient. Most hunters sit a few hours in the morning and sit the last few hours of daylight in the evening. Hunting in this manner is fine for the majority of the season, but the rut is different. If you are able to sit most of the day, or all day, there is a good possibility you will see more activity in the middle of the day than you ever thought possible. Hunting all day could be the difference in success and failure when it comes down to it!
Lastly, choose the best stand set location available. If you have multiple stand sets, it is best to sit in the one with the most doe activity. A good stand set might be near food sources that does are frequenting, or it might be in a natural funnel area with active scrape lines. Rate each of your stands according to its activity. Then, determine which stand is best for that day depending on the wind direction. Following these guidelines should make hunting this year’s rut more enjoyable and ultimately a successful one.
Mia Anstine is an outdoor writer, licensed outfitter, hunting guide, life coach, keynote speaker, and range safety officer, firearms instructor, and archery instructor. She is the founder of MAC Outdoors and Host of the MAC Outdoors Podcast.
Mia Anstine strives to encourage others to get outside, hunt, fish, shoot, and survive life with others in a positive way.
This website contains affiliate links. For information on what this means, click here.
Want to write to me? Mia Anstine MAC Outdoors LLC PO Box 31 Ignacio, CO 81137-0031
If you’re new to following, you should know I’m a fan of all things hunting and shooting. One of my favorite iconic figures in the shooting sport of Olympic shotgunner Kim Rhode. She’s a phenomenon in shotgun sports, a fabulous hunter, and a role model to all. Check it out as she continues to claim…
We shoot quite often, and sharing shooting with others is always fun. I became a shooting instructor because I wanted to teach safety and respect properly and to see the glow on a new shooter’s face. A summer long ago, we had a very special guest and his family come for a visit. He has…
CPW’s Piceance Basin Predator Management Plan topic of public meeting, Aug.16 GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Due to a variety of factors, including habitat fragmentation, disease, development, increased outdoor recreation and predation, mule deer populations remain below objective in parts of Colorado, primarily in the state’s largest mule deer herds in the Piceance Basin. To reverse…
“Women-only events often prove to be the key to getting new shooters involved in the shooting sports, providing an atmosphere, camaraderie and a comfort level that encourages trying out something new. This is especially important in getting recreational shooters to experience competition for the first time.”
While hundreds of thousands of people are out hunting for organic food in the great state of Colorado, residents need to remember their responsibilities toward wildlife. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is sending us a reminder that as animals prepare for winter, we should as well. Remember, whether you’re a hunter or not, you need to do your…
We spent the past two days in an effort to protect wildlife conservation. We drove through a true Colorado blizzard to make it to the Capitol and testify against an anti-hunting bill that would’ve banned lion and bobcat hunting. We’re happy to say that the measure was defeated in a 4-1 vote, but we’re also…
