5 States Where Bucks Rut Late

By Heath Wood – Bowhunting.com

For avid deer hunters, the rut represents the pinnacle of the season—a time when mature bucks become more active and vulnerable as they search for does. 

While most hunters plan their season around the rut in their home state, traveling hunters can extend their opportunities by focusing on regions where the rut occurs later. 

Understanding where and when the rut happens is a game-changer, offering more chances to bag a mature buck well into late December and January.

Why Some States Experience a Late Rut

The timing of the rut varies based on several factors, including genetics, climate, and photoperiodism (the amount of daylight that triggers breeding behaviors). 

In southern states, where deer populations have adapted to warmer climates, the rut often happens later in the season. This ensures that fawns are born during milder conditions, increasing their chances of survival. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY