Wisconsin Whitetail Rut report 11.9.10
Wisconsin's whitetail deer are moving into their mating season, or rut, and there are increasing reports of bucks sparring and chasing does even during the day. Archery hunters are reporting increased success, with some very nice bucks registered in the last week. County sheriff's departments are also reporting increased numbers of vehicle-deer collisions. The rutting season is expected to peak over the next two weeks, so drives should be extra cautious on roadways at all hours of the day, but especially at dawn and dusk when deer movement is usually at its peak.
Dane County -Deer activity has started to pick up. Many bucks have been observed starting to chase does and the prime of the rut is probably a week away. Archers are reporting lots of activity with some nice bucks being taken as well as more deer being hit by vehicles lately.
Rock County -The cold weather should also help the progression of the rut for whitetails. Bucks have been seen chasing does and making scrapes. There have been reports of a number of deer moving during the daylight hours and of bucks being heard fighting during the night. Wardens have noticed increased numbers of people bow hunting as the rut picks up. Hunters are reminded that feeding and baiting is illegal in Rock County because of rules put in place after chronic wasting disease was found in the deer herd. Rock County is also an earn-a-buck area, so hunters must first harvest an antlerless deer before harvesting an antlered buck. Shining activity has picked up in Rock County with most crops harvested and deer starting to move more during the rut. Pheasant hunters continue to harvest birds on public hunting areas and surrounding private lands in Rock County.
Willow River State Park - The big buck of the year is a 14-pointer. He's been seen once by park staff and again by a regular visitor.
Information compiled from the WDNR Outdoor report and private sources
