Pre rut

[Jacob...soaz]

When does everyone think the mule deer will start pre rutting in so az ? 

[PRDATR]

Soon. I've been in 29 in mid december and mule deer bucks already had does bunched up. But probably another three weeks or thereabouts for the desert units.

 

[trphyhntr]

[muledeerarea33?]

1 hour ago, trphyhntr said:

Not rut just a pervert. Or a lucky sob!

[Yuma Outdoorsman]

Every year the “rut” posts start right after rifle season, it cracks me up 😂😂...it’s so variable year to year it’s hard to pattern but in my experience around my area I’ve seen most pre-rut stuff going on through December and the peak rut being middle end of January into February. 

[Delw]

3 hours ago, muledeerarea33? said:

Not rut just a pervert. Or a lucky sob!

Who trphyhntr with the Camera or the deer

 

[Tj_G91]

The next week and a half to two weeks you will see it more and more. Those big bucks will start to be on the move. 

[BritSaz]

I was also wondering the same thing. My husband was one of the 15 lucky ones to draw a 6B mule tag that starts this Friday. This will be our first time hunting the "rut". I am so excited. I just hope its not too muddy from all the snow. 

[G_E_E]

Definitely pre rut going on down in the southern units with smaller bucks.  Watched a forky chase a doe around for a while, and a decent 2x2 with about 10 does, gathering them together.  Can't wait to see the big boys show up and take over.

[Jacob...soaz]

We got on 5 bucks last week all with does and my buddy  tagged out on monday with this weird looking buck . Also with does .. I will be out there on jan first trying to fill my tag 

[G_E_E]

Congrats

[Yuma Outdoorsman]

I’ve heard there are some herds rutting pretty hard down this way. I personally have only seen pre-rut action with bucks being solo and getting violent with the smoke bush trees in the washes. 

[creed]

I have heard there is rutting in 39 and 40A/B. I have been in 44A and have seen groups of does with spikes only. I did glass up does with 2 bucks that were 160+ but they were tolerating each other so I am thinking none of the girls had started smelling good.

[Yuma Outdoorsman]

1 hour ago, creed said:

I have heard there is rutting in 39 and 40A/B. I have been in 44A and have seen groups of does with spikes only. I did glass up does with 2 bucks that were 160+ but they were tolerating each other so I am thinking none of the girls had started smelling good.

I’ve heard the same thing as you as far as 39/40AB. I’ve been in 44B and the bigger bucks seems to be solo still. In another few weeks though that should all change.