Northwest Rut Report, Week 10: Mule Deer Rut Over, Whitetail Seasons Are Closed

The overwhelming majority of deer hunting seasons have come and gone in the Northwest. In Alaska, some blacktail deer seasons remain open through December 31. While seasons are closed to anyone but youth hunters on the road system in Kodiak, they remain open for hunters willing to use a plane or boat and brave Alaska’s backcountry. Blacktail deer hunting is also open on Prince of Wales Island until December 31.

While these opportunities remain, hunters say it’s challenging to find a buck right now. Storm systems have pummeled the area with moisture and strong winds. Hunters also report the peak of the rut ended roughly around mid-November, making it tough to find bucks in the thick rainforest when they’re not moving long distances in search of does.

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In the Lower 48, the mule deer rut is over. Does are herded up and bucks have broken off into bachelor groups once again. However, the second rut may be heating up, at least in Montana. My trail camera captured a doe moving through the other day. Just minutes later, it captured video of a buck with its nose to the ground following the same path.

Whitetails are still seeking. Hunters aren’t tagging out because the season is closed but that doesn’t mean bucks aren’t hitting the ground. With short days and bucks moving long distances in search of does, the roadways are littered with deer. I narrowly missed two bucks this week.

Both were mature bucks with swollen necks and noses to the ground. They were moving from agricultural fields toward a river bottom at night. Unfortunately, a neighbor wasn’t as lucky this week. She’s fine, but her SUV isn’t and neither is the buck that she hit on her way to work. So, if you’re getting out predator hunting, chasing upland birds, or sitting in the duck blind, watch out for rutting whitetails on your way there.