What is the primary driver for buck movement during the rut breeding season?
Answer
Chasing does
The rut, or the breeding season, fundamentally alters deer behavior, effectively rewriting the typical playbook based on survival needs. During this peak period, the primary motivation for buck movement shifts away from caloric intake and feeding patterns toward reproductive activity. Consequently, the best strategic locations during the rut are those adjacent to doe concentrations, as bucks are actively moving along established scrapes and rubs while searching for receptive females. Transition zones linking deep bedding cover to doe-heavy feeding areas become prime hunting real estate.
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