Side of Hunter Standing in Tree Stand Wearing Proximity Hooded Insualted Jacket Highlighting Removable Hood

Post Rut Strategies for Giant Whitetails

As the Whitetail deer rut begins to wind down, some archery and rifle hunters alike start to lose focus as the grind of hunting nonstop during the breeding season has taken its toll. However, if you have an unfilled tag, it’s time to regroup and become laser focused as the post rut offers opportunities that other stages of the rut do not. Mature bucks expand their home range more during this period than any other time of the season, as their will to breed has them traveling further, looking for the last receptive does.

The tactics during the post rut are like the pre-rut strategies with a few tweaks.

Hunter and Dog with Recently Picked Up Sheds

1. KNOW YOUR HISTORY

Previous seasons' encounters are a telling tale of where a mature buck will be during the rut, especially during the post rut because there are fewer does coming into heat. A whitetail buck’s annual timing is impeccable as they know exactly where and when to find the last hot does. Studying past seasons trail camera images, along with having a log, will put you in the ball game during this period.

2. DOE BEDDING

As the post rut stage sets in, the local doe groups will spend much more time in and around their bedding areas. Local and traveling bucks know exactly where these locations are and will utilize wind direction by skirting the downwind side to actively search for the last available does.

Downwind stand locations within easy range of these travel corridors is very affective but will require a hunter to beat the deer to their bedding. A bullet proof entry and exit strategy is a must, as the does are still on edge from the constant badgering of bucks looking to breed.

View From Treestand Waiting for Whitetail Bucks to Emerge

3. EVENING FOOD SOURCES

It’s been a long and vigorous rut for the whitetails, and as things begin to wind down, food becomes the focus for the overall deer herd. Evening hunts over food sources set up for the late season will quickly become the hot spot. Mature bucks will feed in these locations to recover from the physical stress the rut brings, with the added bonus of potentially finding one of the last hot does.

Food source stand locations must be set up with a solid entry and exit strategy, as deer will begin hitting these food sources earlier and some will remain in these food sources until well after shooting hours.

Water Droplets Forming on Tree Branch in the Rain

4. WEATHER ALWAYS RULES

Weather will always be the most important factor in deer movement. Here are the combinations to look for during the post rut:

COLD FRONTS - During the post rut, weather fronts with temperatures dropping a minimum of 15 -20 degrees after a long period of warmer weather will lead to increased deer movement.

HIGH PRESSURE - Positive deer movement happens with a rising barometric pressure above 30 and climbing. A barometric pressure that is below 30 will have hunters experiencing sluggish deer movement. This applies to the entire deer season.

WINDS - As winter is starting to push in, the post rut will have more blustery days than before. Days with wind speeds over 20mph and gusting can have an adverse effect on whitetail deer movement. Conversely, a sudden change in wind direction after several days of the same will increase deer movement temporarily.

HARSH WEATHER - Overall, most of the deer herd will bed during harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snowfall. Movement begins immediately after the front passes through. Post rut evening hunts over food sources are ideal after a harsh weather front has moved through.

Mature Whitetail Buck Quartering Away in Open Field

5. PREPARE TO SEE GIANTS

With less available does coming into heat, ultra-mature bucks that once kept a tight home range are now on the move, traveling well outside of their core area. During this small window of opportunity, a hunter needs to remain mentally focused, as a surprise giant can suddenly appear out of nowhere.

Overall, the post rut is a favorite amongst veteran hunters, as the unique opportunity to harvest a giant whitetail is very real. Hunters that remain focused will reap the reward of success during a period when others have thrown in the towel.