Deer Movement Peaks After Recent Harvest Moon
October is progressing quickly, bringing active wildlife seasons to local forests and fields alike. Following last week’s full harvest supermoon, hunters and anglers have reported notable success.
The timing of the full moon plays a critical role in deer behavior. Female whitetails experience hormonal shifts that initiate the breeding season, commonly known as the rut. Experts indicate the height of rut activity typically occurs six to nine days after a full moon, coinciding with the typical cycles seen during October and November.
During these peak rut periods, deer movement intensifies, with bucks and does becoming more visible and active in search of mates. Bucks frequently engage in rut behavior that includes territorial fights among bachelor groups, a display of dominance that is particularly challenging to witness in the wild. These interactions create an advantageous window for hunters, as bucks are more focused on breeding competition than on potential threats such as human scent.
Youth and Adult Hunters Score During Columbus Day Weekend
This past Columbus Day weekend featured a special firearm deer season for youth ages 12-15, resulting in multiple successful harvests across the region. Participation by both youth and adults was high, with many reporting increased deer activity linked to the ongoing rut.
Notable Hunt by Marine Veteran and Outdoor Host Josh Larsen
Josh Larsen, a local marine military veteran turned outdoor television host for PPO-TV, enjoyed a successful hunt Sunday evening in Chautauqua County. Hunting from his favored stand near Kennedy in the town of Poland, within Deer Management Unit 9K, Larsen described a memorable experience backed by expert preparation.
- Utilized the Ape Canyon Outfitter saddle for both safety and stealth while ascending his tree stand.
- Wore the WTF Camo Altre pattern, which appeared effective in blending into the environment, as deer showed little indication of alarm.
- Observed two small bucks in close proximity throughout the hunt, remaining unspooked by his presence.
- Notably, twenty turkeys were also seen in the nearby field, emphasizing the area’s robust wildlife activity.
At approximately 6 p.m., a mature nine-point buck entered the area and approached Larsen’s trail camera, exhibiting typical rut behavior by cautiously investigating scent markers. Despite spotting Larsen, the buck continued on a route upwind, eventually stepping into a clear shooting lane at 37 yards.
Larsen employed his PSE bow equipped with Warhead Arrows and Innerloc Devastation broadheads to make a precise shot. The buck ran less than 20 yards before succumbing, a testament to the effectiveness of proper equipment and shot placement.
“It was such an epic night,” Larsen commented, expressing satisfaction at a hunt perfectly timed with the peak rut.
Wildlife Insights from the Harvest Moon and Rut Behavior
The influence of the full harvest moon on deer is well documented. The lunar cycle impacts rut timing by triggering hormonal changes in female deer (does) that prepare them for estrus, or heat. This seasonal breeding window drives increased activity in bucks chasing receptive does, making the days following the full moon a critical period for hunters targeting mature males.
Additionally, bucks’ increased aggression during this time often leads to confrontations with other males, helping to establish dominance hierarchies within a population. These behaviors create unique opportunities for observation and hunting, as bucks frequently take risks they would avoid in other seasons.
Additional reporting and sources from: Deer Out After Recent Harvest Moon | News, Sports, Jobs – Post Journal
