Lessons learned

[Hedge Apple]

So far this season, what have the deer taught you that needs to be remembered. For me, it was to hunt when ever you can during the rut. A normal hunt usually puts me in stand a half hour before light and back at the truck around ten a.m. then back out around 3 til dark. Nov. 7th I had a commitment first thing in the morning that kept me from going out. About 9 a.m. I figured instead of waiting for the evening hunt I'd go and give it a try. By ten a.m. I was in stand that set between two bedding areas. At noon a hot doe with a spike trailing her passed by at 15 yds. I knew then I'd be here the rest of the day. At two, the same doe came running back by with a four pointer that I named crab claws. Just when I thought the show was over I heard one grunting from the same direction the first two came from. Minutes later I have a nice 8 pointer down. Now I (and every one) have read that the biggest deer are taken between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but other than a hunt in Alberta, I haven't hunted these hours. I will next year !!

[Orion]

Yep.  mid-day is the best during the rut in my opinion.  I hunt dark to dark during the rut and have been keeping records for years regarding  when I see  deer.  Without a doubt, I see most bucks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, probably 60-70% with most other sightings before that time. I see very few bucks between 2:30 and 4:30-5 p.m. the closing time where I hunt, though I'll occasionally see a bruiser right at closing time/dark.