Deer Activity Intensifies Following Recent Harvest Moon
October 14, 2025
FORREST FISHER
Harvest Moon Inspires Peak Deer Movement in Chautauqua County
The recent full harvest supermoon has triggered heightened activity among local deer populations, creating prime conditions for hunters and wildlife observers alike. Experts explain that the full moon phase plays a pivotal role in the onset of the whitetail deer breeding cycle, commonly referred to as the rut.
According to wildlife biologists, the peak of the rut generally occurs six to nine days after the full moon. During this period, bucks exhibit increased mobility and aggressive behaviors, including sparring contests to establish dominance within bachelor groups and defend breeding territories. This increased movement often brings deer into visible ranges of hunters stationed in tree stands or ground blinds.
Local Hunter Records Success During Columbus Day Weekend
This past weekend saw multiple deer harvested, coinciding with the special firearm season for youth hunters aged 12 to 15 during Columbus Day. Among those enjoying success was Marine military veteran turned outdoor television host Josh Larsen, who secured a nine-point buck hunt on Sunday evening in Chautauqua County.
Hunting from his favored tree near Kennedy in the town of Poland, within DMU 9K, Larsen attributed his successful stalk to a combination of advanced gear and strategic positioning. He used an Ape Canyon Outfitter saddle for secure and quiet ascent and deployed WTF Camo’s Altre pattern to blend seamlessly into his surroundings.
Expert Detail from the Hunt
Larsen recounted that two small bucks maintained vigilant watch nearby, showing no signs of alarm. Additionally, a flock of 20 turkeys occupied a nearby field, indicating a healthy and active ecosystem. The targeted nine-point buck approached around 6 p.m., allowing Larsen to film the encounter for approximately 30 minutes.
He described the buck’s behavior as cautious but curious. The deer investigated Larsen’s trail camera before attempting to reposition upwind, a behavior typical of bucks trying to detect scents. When the buck finally moved into a clear shooting lane at 37 yards, Larsen drew his PSE bow and executed a precise shot using Warhead arrows tipped with Innerloc Devastation broadheads.
The buck ran less than 20 yards before falling, a testament to the shot placement. Larsen confirmed hearing the animal’s crash, signaling a swift end to the hunt and a valuable addition to his freezer.
Biological Context from Wildlife Experts
Wildlife specialists note that the October rut aligns closely with the species’ reproductive biology, where females enter estrus in response to changes in photoperiod and lunar cycles. Bucks’ heightened aggression and territory defense during this time increase the likelihood of human encounters, as normal avoidance behaviors toward humans often diminish.
Such periods provide hunters with rare opportunities but also demand respect for the animals’ natural rhythms and behaviors.
Watch the Full Hunt
Footage and expert commentary from Josh Larsen’s successful hunt can be viewed on PPO-TV, offering a firsthand glimpse into the dynamics of deer behavior during the October rut.
Additional reporting and sources from: Deer are out and about after recent harvest moon | News, Sports, Jobs – Observer Today
