Michigan Hunting Seasons Dates
During the whitetail deer hunting season in lower michigan what dates are the prime time for the rut?
The rut occurs at the same time nationwide.
There is no correlation between weather and rut. Nor is there one with regard to the moon.
Here are the proven facts. Bucks begin to rut and want to mate when Does begin their estrus cycle.
A doe begins her cycle, and starts putting out pheromones when the days get shorter. A less and less light passes through a Doe’s eyes, it sends them into their cycle.
I recall a test from a university many years ago where 3 species of deer, White tail, Black tail, and Mule Deer, were placed in an indoor environment. As the testers controlled how much daylight entered the building, the deer were fooled by getting short days in July. This sent the Doe’s into their cycle, and the bucks began to rut.
Also the tests showed how in November, artificial light sustained long days, and there was no rut in October and November.
This is fact. The shorter days of Autumn bring on the Rut, and it is the same time everywhere in the continental US. The Rut begins around the 2nd week of November, and runs until the 1st week in December. Its Peak is around the 3rd and 4th week in November.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting.
2010 Michigan Deer Management Plan