New Jersey's {Deer Rut} peak breeding normally takes place anytime from October through February with a peak in mid November. Studies have found the biggest bucks are harvested during the following peak breeding times, Nov. 9 and 10th., when DOES are not all receptive and a lot of chasing is going on because of the ones that are in estrus.
The reason does are being impregnated on later dates is related to those born late in the spring, as well as older does that may or may not have been bred, that can become receptive to breeding again.
From October 26th to November 10th is your prime chasing and breeding phase.
If I were going to set my vacation time, it would be as followed:
October 26 through Nov. 15th (High chasing lots of activity)
November 7-12th (Mature Bucks are on the move) 2 day's before and 2 day's after peak breding dates Nov 9th & 10th. allow for {stand location changes}
Bucks and DOES will come into our Doe in Heat all the way to February. Don't be afraid to lie down a scent trail the entire season with our DOE IN HEAT lure. I have had mature bucks come into a 2 day old, dreid out scent rag. I have had several bucks check out the lure in Janruary during cold winter conditions when the scent is not as powerful as on warm day's.
