The deer rut is one of the most exciting times of the year for hunters. Bucks that normally slip through the woods unnoticed suddenly start making mistakes, chasing does in broad daylight, and covering ground they would usually avoid. For new hunters, this is a golden opportunity; however, success does not come without proper preparation. The key is knowing your ground, reading deer sign, and being ready when a buck comes wandering or searching through.

Build Knowledge of Your Hunting Area

If you have hunted the same property for years, you already know how valuable history can be. Rubs, scrapes, and worn trails tell you where bucks travel and how they use the land. These spots often get revisited year after year. If you don't have that kind of background, don't worry. Start slow, watch for fresh signs, and build your knowledge base each time you step into the woods.

The Discover Guide and App are a great starting point, offering property descriptions and even maps to help you locate a conservation site where hunting is permitted. The sites are delineated in the iHunter app, where you can also use the ABHuntLog to track your hunting days, sightings, and more.

Focus on Scrapes

During the rut, scrapes become hubs of communication. Bucks check them daily for signs of does. You will often find several in a cluster, spread out in a half-moon pattern over a couple of hundred metres. Find the freshest, most heavily used scrapes and set up downwind. Patience in the right spot can pay off quickly. Mark any scrapes on a map or in an app on your phone to help you locate them in the dark or track activity.

Pay Attention to Food Sources

Does go where the groceries are, and bucks go where the does are. In farm country, that could mean peas, alfalfa, or cereal grains. In wild areas, it might be meadows, wetland edges, or forest regrowth. Learn to recognize what deer in your region are feeding on and set up near those hot spots. Agricultural fields change annually, and knowing how to identify crops is helpful. Use your cell phone to identify plants, crops, and other things. On an iPhone, the little "i" icon you see when viewing photos stands for "Info" in the visual lookup feature. When you tap it in the Photos app, it uses artificial intelligence to bring up details about the picture, such as crop type, or even identify animal tracks. Take a photo and use the information icon to gain knowledge. The Android equivalent is called Google Lens.

Put in the Legwork

Scouting is never wasted time. Walk trails between bedding and feeding areas, note where deer funnel through, and plan ambush sites for different wind directions. Trail cameras are also an incredible tool. They tell you which bucks are around, when they move, and whether your setups are in the right place. Tracks, trails, rubs, scrapes, shed antlers, or sightings of actual deer help put together the puzzle of deer movement in any specific area.

Time Your Hunts

Deer movement is influenced by the phases of the moon, weather conditions, and pressure. If you can only spare a few days, look at the moon calendar and weather forecasts to pick prime times. Hunting when deer are naturally active increases your odds.

Rattling and Calling

Do not overlook the power of rattling antlers or a grunt call. In areas with multiple bucks, these sounds can trigger an aggressive response. Practice with your gear before the season so you are confident when you try it in the field.

Be Ready to Hunt All Day

The rut does not run on the clock. A buck might cruise past your stand at 10:00 in the morning or 2:00 in the afternoon. If possible, plan to sit from sunrise to sunset. A blind helps with concealment and comfort, especially if you bring a good chair or even a small heater on cold days. Pack a lunch, maybe a blanket, and have hand and foot warmers, just in case the cold could drive you out of the field.

Use Stands, Blinds, and Natural Cover

Whether it is a treestand, a pop-up blind, or a pile of logs and brush, setting up ambush spots gives you confidence and concealment. Prepare them ahead of time so the deer get used to the disturbance and change of scenery before you hunt. Whenever climbing or sitting in a treestand, always wear a certified safety harness for protection.

Expect the Unexpected

The rut is unpredictable. A giant buck might wander into a field in broad daylight or cross a trail you never thought to watch. That is what makes this time of year so special. Anything can happen.

Stay Prepared

Every hour spent in deer country adds to your knowledge. Over time, you will learn where deer live, feed, and travel. Before the season, have your gear ready, stands set, calls tuned, knives sharpened, and game bags packed. If you plan to field dress and pack out your deer, it's essential to have everything on hand.