You have to look no farther than the shoulders of local roads and highways to find proof that hormone-crazed deer are risking their lives to ensure their genes are passed on to future generations. Those unfortunate deer that met untimely demises by attempting to cross roads in pursuit of love are just one reminder that big bucks are ignoring their normal patterns – which makes this time of year the best time to harvest a wall-hanging bruiser.

In case you haven’t noticed, the rut is on here in Delaware.

You have to look no farther than the shoulders of local roads and highways to find proof that hormone-crazed deer are risking their lives to ensure their genes are passed on to future generations. Those unfortunate deer that met untimely demises by attempting to cross roads in pursuit of love are just one reminder that big bucks are ignoring their normal patterns – which makes this time of year the best time to harvest a wall-hanging bruiser.

With just a few days left in the November deer shotgun season, you should maximize your time spent in the woods if you long for an encounter with a shooter buck. Rather than adhering to the traditional notions of only deer hunting for the first few hours after sunrise and the last few hours before sunset, break your habits and stay in the woods all day during the rut. With bucks breaking free from their normal behavior, they very well could be roaming the woods all day in search of hot does. Hunters retiring to their vehicles for mid-day coffee, meals, and naps could be missing out on some of the hottest rut action.

Every minute spent in the woods with gun or bow in hand increases your chances of success. Hunting during the rut should be an all-day affair, so prepare accordingly. Pack your lunch, thermos, and even empty bottles (because nature ultimately calls, especially after drinking multiple cups of coffee). Whether hunting from a stand or on the ground, put in as many hunting hours as possible.

Realizing that others hunters in the woods don’t want to play the waiting game, patient, prepared hunters will sit tight as morning and afternoon hunters walk out of and in to the woods with hopes that they scare deer toward them. Deer that have bedded down are likely to jump up and run if they hear or smell hunters walking through the woods, so the few hunters who remain may get some shots.

Granted, all-day deer hunts can be challenging. Weather and boredom affect the most dedicated deer hunters, so leaving a tree stand or ground blind is sometimes the way to go. Short walks can warm up the body and break up the boredom. Use such opportunities to scout, but always continue to hunt. Assuming you are legally allowed to hunt from the ground (some Delaware hunting rules mandate that hunters hunt from a stand during certain seasons at certain locations), bring your bow or loaded gun with you when taking walks. Always be aware of your surroundings, remain stealthy, and be ready to shoot.

While on the move, look for deer sign, like scrapes, rubs, and tracks, but also look for groups of does. During the rut, if you find the does, you will inevitably find some bucks. Just keep in mind that in addition to a wary buck keeping an eye out for you, you may have to contend with the numerous eyes of does, yearlings, and fawns.

ADDITIONAL INFO
The second edition of Hunting the First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting by Steven M. Kendus is available today. This updated edition provides further insight, updated statistics, new hunting stories, and more photos related to hunting in Delaware. Hunting The First State discusses common game species such as white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and ducks, but it also offers insight into coyotes, wild turkeys, red foxes, woodcocks, snow geese, crows, and more. Hunting The First State is available immediately in print and digital formats from www.HuntingTheFirstState.com and select Delaware booksellers and hunting supply stores. It will be available from major booksellers within four weeks.

Steven Kendus' Hunter's Journal appears bi-weekly in The News Journal. Kendus is the author of Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting. Follow his blog and podcast at www.HuntingTheFirstState.com. Contact him at skendus.HuntingTheFirstState.com.