Lull or Logic? Hunting in October

Written by: Ryan Reading, Fall Obsession Pro Staff

Year after year many whitetail hunters talk about an October lull. A time period during early to mid October where they are seeing less deer activity. I wanted to take the time and look at the bigger picture and not so much trying to micromanage deer activity.

As we know, all bucks after shedding velvet start to disburse in late September and early October to their winter ranges. During this time bucks disappear and other bucks magically show up that you’ve never seen on your hunting land before. This is attributed to deer moving where they plan on holding up during the rut or winter usually.

At the drop of a dime, it will seem like all the shooter bucks vanish for one to two weeks. This is when most hunters get discouraged and believe in this mystic “lull” period. Is it really a lull? There are a few things we can understand and do to help combat the lull period but first, we must ask why is this taking place? Let’s look at this from a logical stand point.

During this time the bucks will be not traveling far. They are holding up in the thickest of thickets. They only stray directly to food and back. This time period is not a lull, yet a period where these bucks are foraging and gorging on food. These bucks are resting and feeding in preparation for a long rut period. All the traveling, minimally eating and fighting for territory does takes a toll on them.

This two week period is the bucks preparation period. If these bucks didn’t prepare, most would likely expire due to the harsh conditions they experience. To relate this, it would be like a non-marathon runner attempting to run a 25 mile triathlon without training or preparing. It’s just not feasible. The bucks know this and in essence, this is their solitude preparation time as their testosterone rises to its peaks.

First, don’t over pressure your hunting locations until near the end of October. Secondly, if you’re hunting this time period you should move as close to a bucks bedding as you can get without bumping him out of his bed. Know where he is eating and where he beds. Next, focus on hunting temperature drops and after weather fronts. Stay off main food sources until you see these bucks back on their feet close to shooting light or sunset. These bucks are being reclusive expending as little energy at this time as possible.

None of what you do will change this. The bucks will always have to prepare for their ruts. We as hunters can change tactics and take the hunt to them carefully, otherwise, just hold off and prepare for the rut season yourself. When you start seeing the larger bucks show up in daylight, hunt those stands you’ve prepared.

The October lull is not mystical. It is just a time period where these larger deer need to prepare for the rut and as long as you know this, you can plan your attack. Good luck during your rut hunting season.