drhntr178

I recently read two books that opened my eyes about the seemingly low odds of shooting a trophy buck during the morning, outside of November (Chase, Pre-rut, & Rut). The books were "Hunting trophy whitetails in the real world," by Don Higgins and "Real world tactics for todays trophy whitetails," by Steve Bartylla.

Both authors stated from their own experience, P & Y records, and outfitter logs that the odds of shooting a trophy/mature buck in the morning, outside of the rut, were incredibly low. They both stated that these bucks are in their beds before daylight during those times. They also stated that hunting in the mornings during these times can be detrimental to your hunts because more often than not you will be educating a trophy at this time if you are hunting for one.

Ive always gone by the old saying, "You cant kill that tophy at home on the couch" philosophy. I am beginning to alter my beliefs and will probably hunt less mornings this fall. Plus i like to sleep in

My question is have any of you noticed this low activitiy in the morning by mature bucks, and if so does it alter your hunting strategy????

KoBear

i have never shot a buck in the morning. i have seen bucks in the mornings, but never any big ones.

i have however seen a couple dandies between 10-2 when most people are outta the woods.

alot of times i hunt from 9 am to dark.

but i have shot my fair share of does in the morning though.

buckeye

I have shot two mature bucks outside of the rut in the morning. One 20 minutes after first light (late pre-rut), the other 3 hours after first light(first week of October).

huntingson

It isa very interesting topic. I have had most of my experiences with mature bucks in the mornings, but usually not at first light and again these are mostly during the rut. My father, who obviously has been hunting for longer than me, has had more experiences in the evenings. Since we put out game cameras around Christmas, we have not gotten a picture of a buck in the morning and only a couple at night before dark. Perhaps your idea is right and for out of the rut times the morning just isn't worth it if your only objective is to get a mature buck. I'm not giving up any time in the woods during the rut though.

Good post. That's a real thinker.

drhntr178

The mature buck you killed the 1st week of October was definitely an exception to their rule. They didnt state it was impossible, just lower odds. Mention was made that foggy and raining days helped.

Does this mean you hunt mornings no different than any other time of the year?

KoBear

when i hunt mornings, i hunt around water in the mornings, and on narrow draws coming from people's lawns.

here in jersey, having a good development near your hunting spot is like having a clover field nearby.

stikbow26

I have killed 3 mature bucks out of the rut in the mornings and have seen many more, But then i am targeting there areas on purpose and there suppose to show up. Walt

buckeye

My favorite time to be in my treestand is in the morning...... Lower odds of shooting a buck out of rut or not I will be in my stand if I am not at work.

I know if I went by their thinking I would have two less shoulder mounts on my wall [8D]

drhntr178

Just for clarification, when the authors mentioned the rut they included the pre-rut/chase period and the rut, which sometimes includes the last week of October, and the whole month of november. They both stated to stay on your stand all day during these times

drhntr178

I hear you on that one. But isnt it possible that you may have spooked more mature bucks that you may have killed by educating them in the mornings.