How long does mule deer rut last?
three to four weeks
The bulk of the mule deer rut lasts three to four weeks. During this time, the older breeding bucks lose much of their physical strength, often break antler points and receive tears in their coats from fighting, and frequently appear listless and dazed near the end of the cycle.
What month does the mule deer rut occur?
If you start with June 7 and count backwards 205 days for gestation, that would place the peak rut dates in the mountain states during the week surrounding November 14. As a general rule, the mule deer fawning period is later as you travel south.
What is the best time to hunt mule deer?
Time of Day: The best time of day to hunt mule deer is in the first hours of morning when the deer who have been feeding throughout the night can be seen heading back to their bedding areas.
What triggers the mule deer rut?
When it reaches a certain level in the blood it induces estrus in does. Similarly in bucks, a decrease in daylight produces melatonin, which in turn increases testosterone production. Simply put, decreasing daylight causes hormonal changes in deer that triggers “the rut.”
Where can I find mule deer pre rut?
Deer are rarely found more than 1.5 miles from water, even where habitat would otherwise seem ideal. “Mule deer can have trouble finding surface water,” said Heather O’Brien, a state biologist in central Wyoming. “Look for seeps. You can spot them when you’re glassing the foothills by looking for aspens or willows.
Where is the best mule deer hunting in Idaho?
Mule Deer: With generous over-the-counter, any weapon opportunity and given it’s proximity to Idaho’s most populated area, Unit 39 is the state’s most popular and productive unit for mule deer hunters.
Where can I find big mule deer bucks?
For the best place to find mule deer, pick a good vantage point and look to the shade. Mulies typically favor the shade, but don’t let that keep you from glassing into every possible location. As you plan out when and where to glass, consider where the mule deer spends most of their time living.
Where are mule deer pre rut?
What elevation do mule deer?
Various types of mule deer zones: Transitional zone – 6,000 to 9,000 feet. Sagebrush winter range zone 4,000 to 7,000 feet.
Where do mule deer go during the day?
Mule deer are primarily active during the morning, evening, and moonlit nights. In the middle of the day, the mule deer will rest in a cool, secluded area. Males prefer to bed down on rocky ridges, while females and fawns prefer open areas.
Can you rattle in mule deer?
Mule deer vocalizations to mimic include the previously mentioned snort-wheeze, grunts, bleats, and fawn bawls. Rattling can also get results. All can work throughout the fall to pique curiosity or incite an all-out aggressive charge.
How far do mule deer travel in a day?
And when disturbed by humans or an influx of natural predators on their home turf, mature bucks have been known to move 10 miles or more overnight. Most mule deer migrate between summer and winter ranges, but some spend their entire lives within a comparatively small home range.