It's time to note the finest days to be in the woods as we prepare for yet another deer hunting season on our calendars. Knowing when to hunt will make all the difference, regardless of your experience—that of an old hand at this or of a rookie ready to bag his first buck. There are various outstanding windows to seize in 2024; this guide will assist you in identifying those golden prospects. At GunWraps, we offer excellent concealment wraps for your weapons and actively live and breathe the hunting life. The excitement of the hunt, the peace of the forest, and the gratification of a season gone right are nothing like anything else. Let us thus explore the ideal days to hunt deer in 2024 and how you can maximize them.
Opening Week: September 2024
The beginning of archery season is among the most exciting times of the year. Many places start it on the first Saturday of September. The deer last felt the strain of hunters almost a year ago. Though still following their summer patterns, bucks abound; in some places, they may even be velvet. Especially if you have done research using trail cameras and glassing areas from a distance, this is the ideal opportunity to catch a buck off surprise. Before heading out, make sure you’re familiar with the latest hunting regulations in your state by visiting Hunt Central or your local Department of Natural Resources website.
Early-season hunting calls for accuracy and patience. Usually located near dependable food sources like feeding plots or green soybeans, bucks are under less hunting pressure, which increases your chances of catching them in the open. Arrange inside the timberline and prepare for a close bow shot. The lack of pressure also means bucks are more likely to follow their regular paths, which facilitates your prediction of their movement. Though it should not be, the first week of September could be the most underappreciated week of the season. Your best opportunity to come across bucks unaccustomed to the presence of hunters in the woods is here.
For more tips on locating deer and ensuring you're in the right place at the right time, check out our guide on Scouting for Success: How to Find the Best Hunting Spots.
The Window between October 16 and 20
Now let us discuss an unexpected but essential period to be in the woods: October 16th through the 20th. This is during what some hunters call the "October lull," when deer apparently slow their mobility. But be not misled by this myth. There is still much activity to be had, particularly this year with the whole "super hunter's moon" on October 17th.
As they lay down rubs and scrapes, this time, they will witness bucks become more active. It also occurs during some of the first estrus, which can prompt bucks to begin cruising. Don't hesitate to arrange a morning hunt; the full moon may cause deer movement to change to mid-morning or even noon. Start hunting pinch spots and ridges where bucks are most likely to travel between bedding places. Keep your eyes open for fresh signs; be ready to change the position of your stand to where the activity is fiercest.
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The Push in Late October: October 27 and 28
Deer activity really starts to increase as October draws to a conclusion. The mornings are chilly, and the bucks are beginning to chase those first does into estrus and spar. Perfect days to be in the woods are October 27 and 28. October 28th, the Hunter's Moon, the full moon will have bucks rubbing and scrapping like mad. You should concentrate on unpressured food plots or cut corn and soybean fields surrounded by thick forests during this period.
Look for deer near powerline rights-of-way or open paths where worn trails cross in more mountainous regions. Get to your stand early since the bucks will be more active in the early afternoon. For some, Halloween may be about trick-or-treating, but for professional hunters, it's about bagging a considerable buck. October 31st will be a fantastic day for hunting both in the morning and afternoon, as bucks will be on the move.
First Week of November: November 7 and 8
Regarding deer hunting, the first week of November is almost mythological. This week has seen more Boone and Crockett bucks than any other time of year. You want to be in the woods, no matter what, on November 7 and 8. Deer are moving more during daylight hours, bucks are cruising, and the rut is beginning to pick up. It is simpler to see deer since the woods are opening and the leaves are dropping.
This is the moment to spend all day sitting at your finest stand. Call in sick and head into the woods should a cold front strike during this period. The deer will be moving; hence, your odds of coming across a mature buck are higher than ever. These are the times to put in the hard effort, whether hunting with an arrow, muzzleloader, or gun. Stay ahead of the game by checking the latest weather conditions with accurate forecasts from Weather.com or AccuWeather to plan your hunts around optimal conditions.
November 10–12 is the Peak Rut
If you could only hunt three days out of the season, November 10th through the 12th should be first on your list. In many places, notably from Virginia up through New England, this is the height of the rut. It's the ideal time for a dawn-to-dusk hunt; the bucks are hunting all day long. After concentrating on morning acorn-dropping sites, go to food plots or field edges in the afternoon.
Given bucks are more sensitive during the peak rut, this is also an excellent time to try calling and rattling. Should you be in the correct location, you could see some of the most fierce rutting behavior of the year. There are countless possibilities, and deer abound in the forests.
Ensure your firearms are stored and transported safely during your hunting trips by following our tips in Safe Storage and Transportation of Firearms on a Hunting Trip.
The Last Push: November 22 and 24
November 22nd through the 24th is another window of opportunity you want to take advantage of as the rut turns down. Bucks still search for the last unbred does throughout this period. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a sizable payoff on the road, particularly in the late afternoon. While more hunters in the woods result from most gun seasons being open by now, it also means more opportunities to score large.
Thanksgiving falls precisely in the middle of this window, hence take advantage of the time off to head into the forest. It will be worth it if you bag that buck you have been chasing all season, even if you might have to push your large turkey feast to after dark.
Blend In and Stand Out With GunWraps
Hunting deer requires planning, patience, and endurance rather than only time. GunWraps knows the excitement of the hunt and the gratification of a good season. We thus provide a large selection of camouflage wraps to enable you to fit your surroundings and raise your chances of success. Using hundreds of designs and colors, we can help you wrap your AR-15, rifle, handgun, or shotgun.
When you schedule your 2024 hunts, remember that the ideal days to be in the woods are those when you are ready for anything. With the correct plan and some luck, this may be your best season ever. So prepare, head out, and maximize each day in the deer woods.
FAQ
Q: What early September days would be ideal for deer hunting?
A: Usually, the first Saturday of September, the first week of archery season, is an excellent time for hunting. Since deer last felt hunting pressure almost a year ago, this is the best time to find bucks still following their summer trends. Early September is highly successful if you seek nearby food sources like food plots or green soybeans.
Q: Why should I think about including GunWraps into my hunting gear?
A: GunWraps presents a large selection of camouflage wraps that cover your weapons and enable you to blend in with different surroundings. The hundreds of designs and colors available make customizing your AR-15, rifle, pistol, or shotgun to fit the landscape you are hunting possible. This extra concealment will give you the advantage you need to remain hidden and raise your field success chances.
Q: Should the weather shift during these prime hunting seasons, what should I do?
A: Deer movement can be significantly impacted by changing weather, especially by cold fronts. Should any peak hunting days coincide with a cold front, modifying your plans to hunt more actively is advisable. During these colder times, deer are more prone to migrate, raising your chances of running across a mature buck.