Author Topic: Ohio deer locked down? (Read 734 times)

BillJ · « **on:** November 27, 2008, 11:23:00 AM »

What's the status of the rut in NE Ohio? I planned to hunt the first 2 weeks of November, but something came up and I missed what was probably the hottest time. I've been out the last few days and seen absolutely nothing. Not a single deer anywhere, even though on the farm I hunt, I can stand at one end right now and see for probably a mile because the fields are white. There are simply no deer moving.

I read someplace that there is a time during the rut when the deer are locked down breeding and not moving much. Is that now in NE Ohio? Is there any rut activity left, or did I miss it? What about the secondary rut? Has that occurred in NE Ohio yet?

Next week is gun week, and I really wanted to get the job done before then, for my experience is after the booming starts around here, I won't see a deer again until October.

BillJ

BUCKY · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2008, 11:32:00 AM »

saw nothing monday and tuesday in nj. my friend was out this morning and saw nothing either.

bowtough · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2008, 11:44:00 AM »

Pretty dead in Il right now,seems populations this year are down,and spotty. This time last year I had seen several 140class bucks. Not so this year.Increased the shotgun permits and now can take two deer. Alot of driving mentality,and shoot anything that walks,or runs. Talked to a gun hunter other day,and he said his group of hunters took 10 deer. And he was sure they would better those numbers the second season.
goodluck,Bowtough.

IronCreekArcher · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2008, 12:07:00 PM »

bowtough welcome to Michigans great DNR screw up...I feel for you guys...we have been on a two buck system for years and all thats left are runty 1 1/2 olds and a few 2 year olds. They are allowing the age structure to be killed out of the herd. They are not protecting the older bucks and killing a lot of does. After firearms starts here the deer are ghosts...I was considering coming down to Illinois to hunt deer but I believe I will reconsider in light of your comments. I really hope Ohio stays with the one buck system...they are rising quickly to compete with Iowa and the likes...good luck though guys...lets hear the stories...

BMOELLER · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2008, 12:10:00 PM »

They could be locked down with does. You could try hunting near the bedding area if you know where they bed. Its kinda like that here haven't seen any thing as far as bucks go. Last two years it seemed that right after Thanksgiving I started to see bucks moving around for unbred does.

Otto · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2008, 02:20:00 PM »

They won't be locked down come Monday morning. They'll be running for their lives as gun season starts.

BillJ · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2008, 08:58:00 PM »

Yes, that what I thought, too. I'll probably be out there waiting for one to run by!

BillJ

oscarh · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2008, 09:01:00 PM »

My sister lives in Brimfield,she is seeing all kinds of deer movement.Friends in Ravenna are seeing tons of movement.If I remember right,,last 2 weeks of November are the usual rut?I usually plan my trips up there for the whole month of November,but my daughter is getting married on Dec.6 and put a drain on our funds.Maybe next year!!!!!!!

GingivitisKahn · « **Reply #8 on:** November 28, 2008, 07:31:00 PM »

We've been seeing deer but I really think the rut is a done deal - around here anyway.

You're right about Monday though - the whitetails will be in high gear for sure.

leatherneck · « **Reply #9 on:** November 28, 2008, 11:57:00 PM »

GK hit it right. The main rut in Ohio is history. There will still be deer rutting until Feb. but the biggen is done. What your probably seeing is the bulk of the does are bred but the bucks are in transition. I've been seeing some cruising again looking for unbred does. Actually heard guys talking about several big buck sightings the last couple days. That will cease come Mon.

Tomorrow morning will be my last day on stand until after gun season. Late season around my parts actually gets pretty good around Jan. 1st. As long as they hold their horns I still have a shot. Gotta get through these gun seasons first. Good Luck and be safe.

Mike

heydeerman · « **Reply #10 on:** November 29, 2008, 06:37:00 AM »

I'll be out there with the 870 taken a couple does down.

buckeye_hunter · « **Reply #11 on:** November 29, 2008, 02:52:00 PM »

Just wait til 2nd week in January and hunt some food sources. They'll be be moving good then.

GingivitisKahn · « **Reply #12 on:** November 29, 2008, 05:20:00 PM »

There's another thread speculating (and I agree) that numbers of hunters are down too. I think I might try to get out Saturday (during gun season) to see if that holds.

Hunting from here to January is weird in a normal year - the patterns tend to get goofy and so forth. I'm far from done for the year, but after gun week, I see the rest of deer season as an invitation to still hunt, explore and think about where I want to set up ambushes for next year.

fishmerf · « **Reply #13 on:** November 29, 2008, 07:08:00 PM »

I hate this next week. I always pray for rain and warm weather! Sorry- I am selfish.
I love the hunting here in Central Ohio in late January. In fact, the colder it gets, the better the hunting becomes.
GK- I have a buddy that bow hunts the first day and loves it. He sets up in funnels between high pressured areas and watches the parade of frightened deer. Saturday would be a great day to find such a place. Be safe out there.

Merf

GingivitisKahn · « **Reply #14 on:** November 29, 2008, 08:01:00 PM »

Merf - that's the way to do it, I think. Forget feeding / bedding / etc. and go for escape routes. Even better if the hiding spot is bunkered a bit. Heh.

leatherneck · « **Reply #15 on:** November 29, 2008, 09:39:00 PM »

Boy did I have a morning this morning. Saw about 25 deer, 14 were bucks, 2-130 class 8 points, 1-130 class 10 point, and the one that wouldn't come by my stand but at 50 yards was a mid 140 class 9-point. He was the one getting the arrow. Although I never put tension on the string, it was a great day. Not to mention all this before 9:00am. Then the sleep monster hit me after working midnight. Too bad the boomers are moving into town this weekend.

BillJ · « **Reply #16 on:** November 29, 2008, 10:27:00 PM »

Wow, leatherneck, that sounds like quite a morning! I'll be in Farmington Friday and Saturday hunting at my brother's place. Perhaps that 9 pointer will work his way over there!

Thanks for all the responses to my original post. You've all confirmed what I suspected, and given me renewed interest in the remainder of the season. One great thing about Ohio is the long long bow season.

BillJ

leatherneck · « **Reply #17 on:** November 29, 2008, 11:15:00 PM »

Yea Bill, it was quite the morning. Best day I've had this year. I've seen this 9-pointer before but he keeps giving me the slip. Hope the gunners dont get him. Good luck Bill!

Mike

GingivitisKahn · « **Reply #18 on:** November 30, 2008, 08:33:00 AM »

Pray for 35 degree weather and day-long, soaking rains for this next week.

Dang, Leatherneck - I hope you see those guys again. Sounds like an outstanding morning!

fredbear1969 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 30, 2008, 03:59:00 PM »

its gonna be windy and crappy yeah!!!!!!!i hunt with a couple crossbow shooting gun hunters that all they've talked about is i can't wait til gun season.they miss more than i do


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Author Topic: Ohio deer locked down? (Read 734 times)

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