With above normal temperatures and drought conditions this fall almost everything has been behind schedule so it should come as no surprise that some bucks are still running together as late as this week.

However, the annual deer rut is beginning in many parts of the state right now. In fact, a few bucks are starting to chase hot does right here in Lauderdale County. I actually saw one of these rutting bucks myself.

While the deer season has started off slowly for many people things are starting to pick up with many hunters harvesting bucks this past week. Though it’s not the full-blown version of the rut yet, that will come soon.

And what is the rut you might ask? Is it a magical switch that suddenly comes on and sends the bucks in a tizzy? Well, that’s exactly it as many bucks lose all sense of self-preservation and reality and run amok looking for any available doe.

Now a magical switch is a bit of a stretch but it certainly seems that way to many hunters. What really happens during the rut is that the majority of does in an area are coming into estrous and subsequently put out their “scent” that lets the bucks know the time is right. And when the time is here, the bucks do throw caution to the wind. Both large and small, young and old, the bucks all chase the does and try to get in on the action.

Fortunately for hunters, even the monster bucks come out of the woodwork and their nocturnal world and roam the earth during the daylight hours allowing fleeting glimpses of their glorious headgear.

Just last week one fortunate hunter harvested a monster buck near the Mississippi River that green scored an astonishing 204 Typical!

Reports are coming in from all around the area of bucks chasing does right now. Reports of buck activity are coming in from the counties of Clarke, Jasper, Scott and Newton.

Now, what does this mean to the average hunter? Well, it means only one thing if you still have buck tags to fill; make your hunting plans now.

If you’re looking for that first buck of the year, or that trophy buck, the time will never be better than right now as we’re seeing lots of buck movement, so do what any self-respecting hunter would do and throw caution to the wind and go deer hunting.

And when it comes to the rut, the time of day usually makes no difference. Once a buck gets locked onto a hot doe he’ll pursue her at all times. I’ve seen bucks stand by does that have lain down by busy highways as they were worn out from all the chasing. They act as if they’re drunk on love and a magic potion and in a way they are.

Don’t delay. Head to the woods during the next couple of weeks and harvest a nice buck of your own. I’ve already gotten my Christmas rutting buck, a nice eight-point that was looking for a doe. Be sure and use cover scent, put out some Paul Meek Super Heat, or Doe in heat and get ready to rumble! The rut is upon us!

Call Mike Giles at 601-917-3898 or email mikegiles18@comcast.net.