Doe Trails & Buck Signs: Finding Rut Hunting Success

As a strategic bow hunter, my success hinges on understanding and adapting to the intricate dynamics of deer behavior. This includes not only tracking deer but also anticipating their movements during the pre-rut and rut periods. The interplay between doe trails and the signs left by bucks such as rubs and scrapes, forms an essential part of this puzzle.

In this post, drawing from my personal hunting strategies and years of field experience, I’ll help decode these patterns for you. We’ll delve into the strategic elements of interpreting these signs and optimizing your hunting approach for the rut. Join me, as we explore the art of strategic hunting and transform your rut-hunting success.

Understanding Doe Travel Routes

First, let’s discuss the significance of doe travel routes. Does are the driving force behind buck movement during the rut. Bucks are on the move in search of receptive does, which means understanding doe travel patterns can lead you to the bucks. Does tend to use the same travel routes year after year, making these areas hotspots for buck activity, especially during the rut.

To identify doe travel routes, look for well-worn trails, tracks, and droppings. Keep an eye out for feeding and bedding areas as well, as these are locations does will frequently visit. In my previous post, “Deer Droppings: Uncover Secrets for Hunting Success,” I discussed how to use droppings to locate feeding and bedding areas. Once you have identified these areas, you can start scouting for signs of buck activity.

Proximity of Rubs and Scrapes to Doe Activity

Bucks will leave signs like rubs and scrapes along doe travel routes to advertise their presence to potential mates. These signs can help you pinpoint areas where bucks are likely to be during hunting season. In my post, “Rubs, Scrapes, & Tracks: How to Hunt Hot Deer Sign,” I discussed how to identify fresh rubs and scrapes as indicators of recent buck activity. While these signs are useful, it’s essential to understand their proximity to doe travel routes and bedding areas to maximize your hunting opportunities.

In some cases, you may find a “scrape line” or a “rub line” which is a series of scrapes (or rubs) created by a buck paralleling a doe travel route. These are prime locations to set up your stand or blind, as you’re likely to encounter bucks patrolling these areas during the rut as bucks are likely to cruise for does on these routes.

In hill country, I’ve found that scrape and rub lines in the lower part of the hills that are aligned with doe travel routes and are normally only visited by bucks during the night, have bucks cruising them during the day during the rut. I harvested two mature bucks over the last few years using this specific tactic.

Buck Sign and Doe Bedding

The proximity of rubs and scrapes to doe bedding areas is also significant. Bucks will often create rubs and scrapes on the edges of doe bedding areas, both to advertise their presence and to scent-check for does in estrus. Setting up your stand or blind near the transition zones between bedding and feeding areas, along with doe travel routes, can be an effective strategy for intercepting bucks during hunting season.

When scouting for doe bedding areas, keep in mind that they are often located closer to food sources and in more open, communal spaces. In contrast, bucks typically choose more secluded spots with thicker cover for their bedding sites. Focusing on doe bedding areas can increase your chances of encountering a buck during the rut, as they are likely to be nearby in search of potential mates.

Another factor to consider is the timing of your hunts. Bucks are more likely to be active near rubs, scrapes, and doe travel routes during the early morning and late afternoon hours. These are the times when does are most likely to be moving between bedding and feeding areas, increasing the chances of a buck being in the vicinity.

Setting Up Your Rut Stand

When setting up your rut stand or blind, it’s essential to consider prevailing wind directions and thermals. You’ll want to position yourself downwind of the travel routes and buck signs, ensuring that your scent doesn’t alert deer to your presence. Be sure to approach your hunting spot quietly and with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area, as deer are highly sensitive to noise and any signs of human activity.

As the rut progresses, you may notice a shift in buck behavior. During the pre-rut and early rut, bucks may be more focused on creating and maintaining rubs and scrapes to establish their dominance and presence. However, as the peak of the rut approaches, bucks may abandon these signs in favor of actively pursuing and tending to does. In this case, focusing on doe travel routes and bedding areas becomes even more crucial for hunting success.

Changes to Doe Behavior During the Rut

During the rut, does can change their travel routes as they become more active and are sought after by bucks for mating. This seems to be the case in the later part of the rut versus the pre-rut or early rut timeframe. Here are a few ways in which does may alter their travel routes during this period:

1. Seeking Receptive Bucks: During the rut, does actively move in search of bucks that are in breeding condition. This can lead them to alter their typical travel patterns as they seek out areas where bucks are known to frequent. Does may traverse larger distances and explore new territories in their quest to find a mate.
2. Increased Movement: Does tend to increase their movement during the rut, often exhibiting more frequent and longer travels. They may wander farther from their usual core areas and home ranges as they respond to the scent and calls of bucks. This increased movement can result in changes to their travel routes as they explore new areas in search of potential mates.
3. Interaction with Bucks: As does come into estrus, they may attract the attention of multiple bucks. This can lead to encounters and interactions with bucks, which can influence their travel behavior. Does may be pursued by bucks, leading to more erratic and unpredictable travel routes as they try to evade or engage with the bucks in their vicinity.
4. Seeking Security and Cover: Does may alter their travel routes to prioritize security and seek out areas with dense cover during the rut. They may choose paths that offer better protection from potential predators or from overly aggressive bucks. This can result in changes to their typical travel corridors as they prioritize safety while still moving in search of breeding opportunities.
5. Following Preferred Food Sources: While the primary focus of does during the rut is mating, they still need to meet their nutritional requirements. Does may adjust their travel routes to access preferred food sources as they continue to feed during this period. This can lead to shifts in their travel patterns, as they navigate between areas with abundant food resources.

It’s important for bow hunters to recognize these potential changes in doe travel routes during the rut. By understanding how does behave and adapt during this time, hunters can adjust their hunting strategies and positioning to intersect with the altered travel routes and increase their chances of encountering both does and the bucks that are actively pursuing them.

Conclusion

In the strategic hunt, regular surveillance and a deep understanding of your hunting terrain are key. Understanding the connection between doe trails and buck signs like rubs and scrapes is central to successful bow hunting. It’s my hope that this post has shed some light on how to interpret these signs and position your stand or blind effectively near doe travel paths and bedding areas.

Strategic hunting is all about the application of information and constant adaptability to the changing hunting landscape. So, as you set out on your next hunt, remember that every venture is a lesson in the wilderness, one step closer to mastering the hunt. Here’s to your success in the field. Happy hunting!