What Triggers the Rut?
Filed under: Ask Grant, Deer Biology, Hunting Tactics
Grant, During the 80s and 90s, the accepted fact was that the “hunter’s moon” (perhaps 7 days after the 2nd full moon after the autumnal equinox) triggered the rut. Most studies in the past decade, based on radio-collared deer, have stated that this is just myth and is absolutely not supported by true science-based studies. That said, some renowned deer experts — Charles Alsheimer in particular — (see the last edition of Deer & Deer Hunting) are adamant that moon phase has a significant impact on the timing of the rut. Are you willing to weigh in on this with a strong opinion? Barry
Barry,
My data (gads and gads of deer fetuses backdated to the date of conception during the past 20 years) match the observations of many other scientists. The timing of deer conception dates are not triggered by any phase of the moon.
Growing Deer together,
Grant
