Buck Blunders: 8 Whitetail Behaviour Myths That Might Be Blowing Your Hunt

Myth #3: The best hunting is during the peak of the rut.

While many hunters plan to be in camp for the peak of the rut, they’re probably better off to hunt just before or just after the peak. When the rut is in full swing, with many of the local does in estrous, dominant bucks will invariably be with them. That means hunters will have to deal with stationary bucks and the additional eyes, ears and noses of the accompanying does.

Bucks are most susceptible before or after the peak, when they’re moving about their territory actively looking for does ready to breed. They’ll move continuously, perhaps checking their scrapes or moving between clusters of does. When bucks are on the move like this, they’re single-minded in their purpose—and that’s when they occasionally let their guard down, making them the most vulnerable to hunters.