I'm about to start my bow season for these tiny Roe deer we have here. I've hunted them for almost twenty years and have been lucky enough to kill more than a few.

Normally the rut is mid July to mid August, give or take. This year we've had very hot weather in June, (hottest on record and some days shattered heat records since they started keeping records. It gets hot again later this week too.

I'm curious what you foks think weather like that can do to the rut.... as in earlier or later, or no difference.

I'll hunt anyway, as I can walk from the house or drive 10 minutes and hunt 3000 acres, but I'm curious.

Thanks in advance.

Pete

If its like here, it has a negligible effect. Peak rut in my zone is Nov 6, irregardless if its a blizzard or heat wave out there. It might cause me to hunt closer to the river in extra hot weather....all that chasing is gonna have them thirsty.....

Timing of annual rut in cervids is very consistent in US regions and most of the world because it is initiated by photoperiodism, which remains the same year to year. Change in daylength triggers production of testosterone in bucks and estrogen in does which incites breeding behavior.

However, weather and environmental conditions that affect deer activities (and their plant foods) may alter normal travel patterns and daily movement routines. Here in Texas, I see buck chasing pick up noticeably with a cold front and north winds that interrupt a very hot early fall.

Given your scenario, I would hunt early mornings and late evenings...and try to catch them getting a mid-afternoon drink. In temperatures of 90 F or more, deer & other wild ruminants may require five times the volume of water as their dry matter intake for digestion.

Temps change nothing related to deer breeding other than they'll find the cooler time of day or the shady areas......sorta like people....not much will delay mating....other than another angry buck or husband.

I agree 100%. The only difference I see in weather (extreme heat) is the need for water. Regardless of Elk, deer, antelope, and so on is in brutal heat, they all stay closer to water sources


I have water tanks for whitetail on my farm. Typical to go through 100 gallons every 1-2 weeks. When the rut starts in end of Sept-Oct here in WI, not uncommon to go through 100 gallons every couple days

Thanks for the info.

Water is definitely scarce around here. They're using the water troughs including ours, and a buddy has been filling and old laverie, (every French village had a stone basin next to a spring where women would wash clothes for centuries), and the red deer and roe deer are using it.

I scouted quickly two mornings ago and found a dozen or so in their normal spots. They've still got some dry land alfalfa and wheat and oats to eat, so you've answered my question.

Thanks,

Pete

When are your fawns born? In the dead of winter?

Gestation is 9 months so they hit the ground usually in late April and May. The bucks aren't vocal during the rut but they respond pretty well to doe sounds. Easy to kill with a rifle but on foot with a bow you need some luck.

Pete