The second week of November marks the beginning of the seeking-and-chasing phase across many regions of the United States. During this time, dominant bucks that have been with does are back on the hunt for other receptive does. While it can be frustrating to sit in the stand all day during this period, patience can yield significant rewards if you’re in the right spot at the right time.
Checking In
Does come into estrus every day, causing bucks to be highly active and cover large distances while briefly stopping at scrapes. During this time, it’s common to see multiple bucks roaming through the woods and visiting these scrapes. These cruising bucks share a singular focus: locating and breeding estrus does. One buck interacting with the Buckbranch is being closely observed by a younger buck in the background. The 8-point buck is primarily from a neighboring property and is on the move, searching for does.
Seeking Through The Snow
Living in Northwest Pennsylvania, it’s common to see the first snowfall in November. I enjoy hunting during the rut when there’s snow on the ground because it makes it easier to spot bucks, and the snow slows them down. A new buck has appeared on the farm, and I can tell it’s a new one because he has a double throat patch. I don’t have any previous videos of this deer, which gives me another great reason to sit in my stand all day during this time.
Turn It Up
Bucks become more vocal during the seeking and chasing phases of the rut. Many times, I’ve heard a buck approaching before I even see it. They produce various types of grunts, including social grunts, trailing grunts, and tending grunts. Additionally, bucks may snort, wheeze, roar, or growl. Hearing these sounds from the stand can be quite exciting. Turn up the volume and listen to a mature buck vocalizing a trailing grunt as he chases an estrus doe.
Snow Scraper
A new buck arrives at the BuckRope, even though a few inches of snow cover the scrape. He can still detect the scents of the bucks and does that visited the scrape before the snowfall. The buck interacts with the rope, sniffs the snow, licks it, and then freshens the scrape using his interdigital and tarsal glands. He clears the scrape to signal to other deer that he is in the area and is ready to challenge other bucks for the chance to breed estrus does. It’s fascinating to watch this unfold as the sun sets.
Refueling
During the seeking-and-chasing phase, bucks are constantly on the move. Their intense desire to breed can lead them to run themselves to exhaustion. It’s not unusual to see bucks pause for a few minutes to refuel with a quick bite. One particular buck has been active on the Ohio lease almost every day. I have pictures and videos of him scent-checking and diligently working to find any receptive doe. After taking a moment to eat and browse the vegetation, he quickly resumes his chase.
What will next week bring as bucks continue to chase does? Stay tuned to see what is happening in the deer woods. I look forward to the upcoming events. If you are interested in trying a Rope Scrape, take advantage of Buckstik’s 10% discount on their BuckRope and many other products. Head over to the website and use the code: Bowhunting10