Unless you’re in the Deep South, December isn’t typically known to be the go-to month for deer hunting. However, many hunters are discovering the advantages the month of December can deliver when it comes to punching your buck tag. In fact, some hunters now even consider December to be the best month of the year to notch their deer tag. Why?
Here’s a look at why December can be the best time to kill a buck this season.
The 2nd Rut Cycle
There’s seems to be a never ending debate over the legitimacy of what some hunters refer to as the “second rut.” But regardless of what you choose to call it, the fact is there will be unbred does running the woods in the month of December.
According to the MSU Deer Lab, if breeding fails, a doe will re-enter estrus again in 21-30 days. Several factors can attribute to “failed” breeding, but the most common culprit is an unbalanced adult buck to doe ratio. An estrus doe might not get bred because bucks are occupied with other “hot” does, or they might get bred by a buck that doesn’t have viable sperm because he has bred another doe too recently.
December can honestly be one of the most exciting months to experience rutting activity. Think about it. With less estrous does in the woods, the competition can be fierce as every buck in the vicinity vies for the opportunity at this doe. It’s not uncommon to see a string of 4-6 bucks trailing these hot does in the month of December, or even January.
Limited Food Sources
Food sources for deer are at an all-time low for deer at this point of the season. They will be concentrating on food sources that allow them to pack on the fuel to build back from the rut, as well as survive the winter months ahead. You’ll often see deer herd numbers grow at this time as they hone in on limited food sources in the area.
As with all the food source transitions throughout the season, when you find the hot food source now, you’ll likely find deer in abundance. And if the boss buck has survived to this point, he won’t be far behind these deer herds at the hot food sources. Leftovers found in corn and bean fields tend to be the draw for afternoon sits in the late season.
Less Hunting Pressure
You’ll typically find the number of hunters hitting the woods in the month of December starting to thin out a bit. Some have called it quits after the November rut, while others have started duck hunting and catching up on chores. There’s less pressure in the woods at this time. And with less hunters in the woods, deer seem to ease back into their normal routine. They become patternable once again.
You’ll often find you have the woods to yourself at this time of year, particularly when hunting public land. It makes for a great time to be in the treestand to watch the show unfold.
Don’t throw in the towel just yet! If you’ve still got a deer tag in your pocket, December can be a great time for some exciting action in the whitetail woods.
