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Oklahoma 2020 Rut Report as Deer Gun Hunting Season gets Underway
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/25/20
News # 14092
Disclaimer: The views expressed on this site are that of the authors and not necessarily that of TBC Press
Thousands of Oklahoma hunters are going afield as the state’s 2020 deer gun hunting season officially began Nov. 21. For many sportsmen and sportswomen, this will be the best time to put venison in the freezer and maybe hang a trophy on the wall. Deer gun season will run through Dec. 6.
Overall, the state’s deer population is in good shape this year, said Big Game Biologist Dallas Barber with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“Rutting activity has been reported on a statewide basis and is beginning to fall from its peak, which usually occurs during the second week of November. Hunters will still have the opportunity to see some chasing and tending, as bucks continue to search for remaining hot does.”
the Department's "Hunters in the Know ... Take a Doe!" campaign has made a return this year. Barber praised hunters for their voluntary participation in the past, because every time a hunter makes a decision to pull the trigger, he or she is making a decision about deer herd management. And with about 95 percent of Oklahoma's land under private ownership, hunter participation is critical in order to effectively manage deer statewide.
To encourage a greater harvest of does, the Department has put new rules in place that increase seasonal limits and open dates for antlerless harvest. It also started a program called Oklahoma Deer Share, which connects hunters interested in sharing venison to people across Oklahoma who are wanting venison. For details, go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/species/deer/deer-share.
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Make sure to make yourself legal in the field by getting the required licenses at license.gooutdoorsoklahoma.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx.
Other topics that deer hunters should be aware of include chronic wasting disease and new rules concerning importing cervid carcasses or carcass parts from outside of Oklahoma.
To help hunters plan their outing in the deer woods, here are the most-recent regional reports from Wildlife Department field personnel.
NORTHWEST REGION
Bucks became very active last week. Bucks are currently rutting, most mature bucks are with does. Mature buck movement has decreased some over the past few days. Mature bucks are with does. Deer are using wheat fields during early morning and late evening. Hunters are reporting that bucks are actively monitoring scrape lines.
NORTHEAST REGION
The second and third weeks of November yielded many reports of high buck movement. Numerous mature bucks were seen chasing and tending does during daylight hours, and bow hunters during this period reported good responses to grunt calls and rattling. Hunters and landowners in the Northeast Region have reported heavy buck movement at all hours of the day and night over the last week. Rubs and scrapes are being tended less, further indicating that bucks are traveling looking for receptive doe. Lots of mature bucks have been harvested over the last two weeks.
CENTRAL REGION
Bucks are entering their most active time of the year as we enter mid-November. Historical statistics of fawn birth dates indicate that peak breeding occurs on or around Nov. 15. This can create a "feast or famine" situation for hunters as many bucks are "locked down" tending a particular doe. When these bucks break free and go in search of the next doe, the action heats up fast as bucks will be on the move and covering ground. Once a buck finds a "hot" doe, the chase is on and hunters may witness the most exciting part of rut hunting. One or more bucks will follow, chase, and compete for opportunity to breed does entering estrus. This usually leads to some of the most exciting deer hunting stories shared with friends later.
Reports from bowhunters and controlled hunts participants give the most recent information on deer activity as we approach deer season. Hunters have reported seeing bucks searching and checking scrapes and cruising field edges. In some cases, multiple bucks have been sighted chasing does. Several hunters from controlled hunts found success by hunting wheat plots where deer emerged for a quick snack or when a buck made a check for does. Relatively warm seasonal temperatures have dampened deer sightings this week compared to cooler temperatures earlier.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Rut activity increased sharply the week of Nov. 9. Many active scrape lines have been found. Bucks are sparring with others and pushing does. Rattling has been effective in some cases. Deer movement has been good in morning and evening. Both hunters and landowners are reporting increased activity with good numbers being seen early and late. Bucks are becoming much more active chasing does. Fawn recruitment in 2018-19 appears to have been very good. Many hunters have reported seeing solid numbers of all age classes. Overall deer numbers have maintained or increased in all but the worst drought-impacted areas.
SOUTHEAST REGION
Southeast Region is currently experiencing major rut activity. Bucks are chasing does throughout the day. Scrapes are growing and being visited often. Landowners are reporting a good yearling crop of young bucks. They are also seeing a good buck-to-doe ratio over much of the region. It seems very few hunting trips go without seeing a deer. Hunters are seeking the "one" that is right for them and their management goals.
For more indepth information on the rut see; https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/outdoor-news/rut-report-2020
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid:
- A hunter needs to avoid quitting too early in the day. Plan on hunting until noon. A lot of deer are ready to stretch their legs about the same time you are.
- Another big mistake public land hunters need to avoid is not reading this year's hunting regulations. Regulations change from time to time, so review and stay informed of the latest changes.
For complete information and license requirements, consult the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide found online at wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma free mobile app for Apple or Android devices, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
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Publishers Notes:
Our country is still battling COVID-19. To avoid the spread of this virus and continue to enjoy outdoor activities, ALL outdoor enthusiasts (man, woman, child) should follow the guidelines set by nps.gov. These guidelines include; social distancing, the Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.
