Get ready boys the rut is on! I've seen two different bucks chasing does, and have heard alot of others talking about seeing them as well. Time to hit the stands all day. Good luck to all.

 

Although I believe that the "pre-rut" is definitely here, I don't think the main rut is in full swing yet. In much of the country, the first wave of mature does probably aren't in estrous yet. While there may be some early ones, the big rut is probably not totally here JUST yet, but well on it's way, in my opinion. While you are west of me a little bit, I doubt we're experiencing huge differences in weather patterns, lunar activity or anything else that some may think affects the rut.

 

I know, I know.... its just that my neck is swelling and and I'am feelin horny! LOL. But it is right around the corner. I've read reports that like 80-90% of all does in Missouri are bred within 2 days of Nov.16. The rest are earlier or later. Your right RedGolin I jumped the gun, but dang I'am excited! Pre-rut...Rut.. whatever, lets do some hunting.

 

Amen brother.

 

I've only seen one decent buck so far.

 

I have a question. Do does come into heat while they still have milk?

 

Maybe. The milk might keep flowing as long as the doe is allowing a fawn to feed. If the first fawn is older but still feeding the doe might go into heat.

Maybe not. Other male animals will try to kill off the offspring of a female to start the cycle over. This is so the male can mate with the female and pass on his jeans.

I don't think any of my deer books cover this. I am going to guess that they will not. I'll look in my books to see if they say anything different.

 

The heat period last about 24 hours. If not breed the doe will come into heat in about 28 days. A unbred doe is capable of 5 estrus cycles in a year. I would once again say no that they would not come into heat while they have milk. The fawn starts to eat solid food at about 2 weeks of age. I'm going to guess that when the milk dries up it would trigger the cycle to restart. Depending on the location a doe may be able to breed throughout a year. (in the southern states) Gestation period is just under 7 months with white tailed deer.

 

Thanks for your reply. I was curious because the doe I got last sunday was full of milk. I have not seen any chasing going on. The does are still by themselves here.

 

Saw a 6 pt chasing a doe this morning