Opener or rut

[jjgaw]

Hey all. Just got back from SE Montana at the beginning of November. I was very fortunate to harvest a great buck. Now i am already planning next years trip (back to SE MT.) Being the beginning of November we did not see a lot of bucks because they were not in groups but also not rutting hard yet. My question is, would you all recommend I try for the middle of November next year, or go at the opener of general season? I wasn?t sure if bucks are still grouped up October 22nd or not.

Also, I will be hunting BMA.

 

[TimberJunkie]

Congrats on your success. I like the first 2 weeks on November. Lots of hunters wait until the middle of the rut. It can get crazy with hunting pressure. We were in Eastrrn Montana on Nov 4th through the 11th. Shot 5 nice bucks. The weather was more of a factor than the rut. Wind really screwed us up. Can't predict that a year out. I say pick a time that works best for you and go hunting. If you know how to hunt Mulies, you can be successful any time of the season.

Good luck

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Bucks are loners During the rut.Good luck jjgaw.

 

[kidoggy]

In general, I prefer the rut to the opener . and generally I prefer late season hunts to early season hunts.

however ,that is not set in stone. one has to look at each unit individually.


for instance ,some units may not be great until deer head down to winter , while other units may hold few deer late because they have left to winter. merely one example of something that factors into decision . there is also weather, hunting pressure ,access...……..



great hunters make do with the cards in hand,

whatever the season , date or prey!

 

[Sandy Point]

For the views the rut seemed to be way better. We were in Montana like the 12-19th and it was pretty fun to see the bucks cut a doe out of the heard to breed. Quite an experience. I've been there in Oct but Nov seemed way more fun.

 

[mallardsx2]

I dont know montana as I have never been there....but, I would think choosing opener VS rut would depend on the size of the place you are trying to hunt.

From my experiences buck, especially big ones, even rut crazed ones know where fences are and they prefer living over dying.

I think you know where I am going with this.

Once they jump the fence many dont come back. Even if it is for does and sex. The big ones know...

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

A lot depends on where you are hunting or want to hunt. Here in Colorado, the opening can be a zoo. In the unit I like to hunt, the deer also migrate into their winter range, usually by the time the rut is beginning. I only hunt 4th season. The deer around here are just finishing the rut now, which is too late for the 4th season. So I guess you can say...later the better for me.

 

[Adesanya]

Hey all. Just got back from SE Montana at the beginning of November. I was very fortunate to harvest a great buck. Now i am already planning next years trip (back to SE MT.) Being the beginning of November we did not see a lot of bucks because they were not in groups but also not rutting hard yet. My question is, would you all recommend I try for the middle of November next year, or go at the opener of general season? I wasn?t sure if bucks are still grouped up October 22nd or not.

Also, I will be hunting BMA.

Friend, better start to open the season ... It’s easier for me personally, I still need some rest ... and preparation.I just need a better equipment: https://under-the-open-sky.com/best-turkey-vests/ I don't want to look like a newbie, haha.

 

[jjgaw]

Thanks all for the reply. I will probably try to push the trip back to nov 10-17 next year. I’m really hoping to see more bucks on their feet. Pressure isn’t too big of a concern as I am hunting large block management with low numbers of parties allowed.