MassWildlife: Closer Look at Deer Breeding Season

Rut is a term used to describe the behavior of deer during the breeding season when males pursue females that are in estrous and ready to breed. The rut can range from several months in southern states like Florida to a short window of time in the fall in the Northeast. 

In Massachusetts, the peak rut is between Nov. 6 – Nov. 20. Timing of the rut is related to the period of daylight and has nothing to do with temperature, rain, snow, or moon phase, contrary to commonly held beliefs. As the season progresses and the amount of daylight decreases, hormones elevate in both bucks and does and create the urge to breed. This timing ensures that all fawns will be born at an optimal time in spring that will increase their chances of survival.

Rut phases 

Pre-Rut (late Sept–Oct): During this time, maternal groups of deer consisting of does with offspring concentrate on feeding to increase their fat supplies for the winter and the demands of future pregnancy. Bucks are also focused on building fat supplies to prepare for the physical exertion of the rut. Bucks start marking their territory by rubbing trees, scraping the ground, and depositing scent. 

Rut (early–mid Nov): Deer are typically most active close to dusk and dawn. But during the rut, deer often abandon their habit of bedding down during the day and instead move around in search of a mate. Bucks spend a lot of time chasing does—in fact some bucks can lose up to 20 percent of their body weight during this time since they are constantly on the move and spend little time eating. Both bucks and does move a lot during the rut and are more distracted, which leads to a seasonal spike in deer-vehicle collisions. 

Post-Rut: As the rut begins to taper off, both males and females start to focus more on food. It's especially important for bucks to regain their weight after their exertion during the rut. Bucks start to decrease their daytime activity once more. During this time, males are still interested in breeding if the opportunity presents itself. 

Deer breeding season is short but full of activity. Whether you're in the woods or just driving by, it's a good time to stay alert and enjoy one of nature's busiest times of year. 

Hunting during the rut?
Learning about the distinct behaviors of bucks during the rut can give you an advantage.

Lanesborough ZBA Member Mark Siegars Resigns