CATEGORY: Second Rut & Late Season Strategy
Q: What is the “second rut”?
The second rut occurs about 28 days after peak breeding. It’s triggered by does that didn’t get bred in November, along with yearling does reaching sexual maturity for the first time. It’s shorter, quieter, and often more tactical — but still highly effective if you’re using scent properly.
Q: When does the second rut happen?
In most regions, it runs from late November through mid-December. In the South, it may shift into January. Key signs include scrape reactivation, new rubs, and lone bucks scent-checking cover during daylight.
Q: What scent should I use in the second rut?
Use Doe-N-Heat™ sparingly, always warmed with Warm Wick®. Pair it with Mama Doe™ or Scrape Talker™ to enhance believability. Bucks in the second rut are highly scent-driven — but also highly cautious.
Q: Should I hunt mornings or evenings in the second rut?
Evenings often produce more visible deer movement, but midday and late-morning sits can be deadly during cold spells or low-pressure days. Bucks tend to cover ground in daylight more during this window than in early November.
Q: How is post-rut strategy different?
After the second rut, most deer are shifting to survival mode. Bucks prioritize calories over breeding — but they’ll still check for late-cycling does if the conditions are right. Your scent needs to be fresh, realistic, and subtle. Avoid over-scenting.
Q: Are scrapes still active post-rut?
Yes — but not all of them. Bucks will re-check core scrapes, especially in areas with high doe traffic. Freshening scrapes with Scrape Talker™ during cold fronts can restart activity. Don’t assume scrapes are dead — watch the weather.
Q: Can scent still pull in a mature buck after the rut?
Yes — but your margin for error is smaller. Use one scent, one wick, and set it up with wind and thermals in mind. A single hot doe cue is enough to bring him in. Three different scents from three directions is a red flag.