Historically, deer hunters believe that bucks are most vulnerable during the peak of the “rut” when bucks lock-up with and mate with as many does as possible. But before copulation occurs, there’s a regimented, pre-breeding momentum described as the “chase phase.” What is it? Do we really understand internal sensations that activate the chase phase? How do bucks typically behave during the chase phase? It’s a diverse time when free-ranging bucks can be vulnerable.

If you’re excited about fooling early-season whitetail bucks, here are some facts to up your odds.

I’ve acquired a multitude of facts about deer though wildlife photography. My intimate activities place me in the woods, so I am constantly learning facts about deer behavior. My outdoor trips also enable me to scrutinize landscape features that I plan to hunt. I also study books and web site facts created by wildlife biologists and successful deer hunters. Their experiences and knowledge ensure more confidence as a deer hunter.

Hunters eventually learn there are days when bucks’ sexual sensations can cause them to be less observant of surrounding interferences. This segment of breeding links with the “chase phase.” Studies reveal that is typically when a buck’s testosterone begins to perk as their desires intensify the process of future reproduction. Normally, full rut occurs from early thru late-October. Although this can vary with region and year-to-year, it’s a fairly accurate time frame.

How do we know if the chase phase is escalating? Obviously, we must watch deer activities almost daily to determine if bucks are being more active. There’s no doubt that timing is everything. Therefore, even in September, be watchful.

Advanced planning is vital to understanding pre-rut deer habits. Scouting is more important now than ever. You can’t join the excitement of the chase phase if you’re not hunting when it kicks-off.

Previously inconspicuous, bucks are on the go at any time of night and day. Even with busy buck movements, early hunters must remain cautious and never scent-contaminate hunting spots. Careless hunters can cause deer to become more nocturnal to avoid areas of human presence.

Deer are intimately familiar with their home grounds. As they follow daily routines, deer constantly search their habitats using all of their senses. Hypothetically, bucks travel through hardwoods plateaus time-after-time. Then, one morning, there’s a human figure on a treestand, which wasn’t there previously. That buck might not pass under your stand again.

So, don’t just go to the woods a few days before you hunt. Be ahead of the game and blend with the woods weeks before hunting. This gives deer time to accept the appearance of your treestand.

A buck’s reproductive role with does sometimes causes them to trip up and make mistakes. But their arrogance and dominance won’t override their ability to be on full alert, regardless of how hunters interpret deer vulnerability during the rut.

Although breeding bucks are on the move more often, their actual mating intensity can make them tougher to hunt. Buck senses remain fine-tuned, even when they are trying to copulate with estrus does. But it’s more difficult for hunters to outmaneuver bucks once they lock up with a doe(s). Then, you’re faced with two sets of whitetail senses. And does won’t hesitate to alert a buck you’re close by. Therefore, it’s often beneficial to hunt bucks early, before intense hunting pressures begin.

Don’t destroy your hunting results by not identifying the whitetail breeding phase. Whitetail breeding activities are typically believed to be a 7- to 18-day period prior to their actual breeding lock up. The majority of does might not have progressed into estrus, but bucks are already induced with an overdose of hormones. Thus, bucks begin rubbing trees and ground-level foliage more aggressively. Earthen scrapes begin to appear.

And bucks’ size up each other, occasionally bumping heads. Bucks also pursue does with more frequency, monitoring for the first estrus odors. Whitetail activities change dramatically as bucks move more often, keeping tabs on all does.

Locating and staying close to does also ups our odds. After all, when bucks begin looking for does, you should be within the nucleus of their activities. Deer feed every day, and food sources are proven locations to set stands before the chase. Also, find trails with lots of sign, especially paths leading to & from bedding lairs.

Bucks normally have already begun creating scrapes. They will check them frequently during their search for does. Hunting close to scrapes improves your chances of seeing wandering bucks.

Before full rut, bucks visit many acres and investigate numerous does until they confirm receptive does. Bucks can instantly scent if a doe is escalating into her breeding cycle and can also sense a doe’s readiness by her odor and body postures. When a doe urinates, bucks stop and smell her urine. If a doe isn’t responsive, bucks will move on, often covering much ground, looking for an appealing doe, checking several does throughout the day.

Much of what humans understand about deer is learned from experience and personal study. Biologists monitor deer year-round. Hunters can have the upper hand because they are in the field, watching deer for weeks on end. That’s why I rely on other hunters’ comments, too. Listen to successful hunters to expand your deer hunting knowledge. Experienced deer hunters help mold us into more proficient deer hunters. Even if you’re already an avid deer hunter, upgrade your potential.

Before full rut, it’s possible to see bucks you have never seen before because they gradually search for does. If you’re using a treestand, now’s the time to be prepared. Hunt close to known ground scrapes. Also, create a few scent posts close to your stand, saturated with doe urine. If a buck passes, he’s not opposed to stopping and checking the urine you’ve dribbled on the ground.

Whitetail mating is simply the phase when bucks begin searching for and dogging does, looking for any breed-ready does. When the chase begins, bucks are shopping and go from doe-to-doe. If does aren’t receptive, they reject advances. An amorous buck will track and smell every doe he encounters, trailing each one with his head to the ground, usually with his flared-out tail almost erect. It’s normal for a buck to exhibit an aggressive posture, often grunting, sometimes trying to get close to the doe.

Does, on the other hand, often avoid pursuing bucks, running with their tails between their legs. Bucks usually approach downwind, scenting the wind, to determine if a doe has an estrus odor. Bucks can instantly scent if any doe is close to breeding. If a doe isn’t responsive, he will move on, often covering much ground, looking for receptive does.

Timing is everything, especially for early-season bowhunters who monitor deer activities. Therefore, early scouting is important. But never scent contaminate hunting spots. Nothing turns off a buck more than human scent. They will revert to nocturnal movements if they are scent-spooked by human pressures.

Remember, there are two sets of whitetails senses to deal with. And does won’t hesitate to alert a buck you’re close by.

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