Roe Rut 2023

[Dave Lakes]

In contrast to a quiet morning yesterday, much barking and ungentlemanly behaviour this morning! Shame it’s now going to tip down here for the next week

 

[Stringer]

It's been very quiet last few outings here in East/North Ayrshire. Out last night and only saw one doe & heard a bit of barking in the distance. Hopefully lying low conserving their energy in preparation for the next few weeks.

 

[Sol]

Bucks are coming into the buttalo now.

 

[cshane123]

Bucks are coming into the buttalo now.

Which area you from

 

[Sol]

Which area you from

D&G - Coastal side.

Its been pretty damp and low temp here with the occasional bit of sunshine every day I'm not a deer... but I would figure pretty optimal conditions.

Speaking off that the sun is just starting to rise now... pretty stark difference to a month ago where It would be up and bright this time of day!!

 

[owdnorthener]

At this moment, there's buck hanging around a doe just 100yds from our house. She is keeping a close eye on him ........
Earlier he was chasing her around the field, but chilling now.

 

[paulbshooting]

I’d agree to disagree with you there Pete.

The theory that more Roe does means more bucks and bigger bucks is an old wives tale that is the usual nonsense spouted by lazy guides that don’t put any effort into a doe cull.

I actively manage the male and female Roe population on my permissions and the quality of bucks is determined by the habitat and soil type.

Just like bucks, dominant Roe does’ will secure the best habitat and ensure that they get their pick of the best bucks in the area.

Quantity is not a guarantee of quality.

Agree with that completely plus the selective culling of bucks across all the age class so the best get to breed and benefit from habitat, soil, quality browse, peace and quiet etc. To grow big.

 

[paulbshooting]

Out the last two evenings in Hampshire. Some bucks with does or out cruising. Weather very mixed and I think a week or two until the rut here. I don't call until I see some chasing going on.

 

[Mick9abf]

Just watched a young 6 point buck chasing a doe in Aberdeenshire which is the first I’ve seen. I was out a few times in the last week and there was plenty does kicking about alone with no bucks nearby so early days.

 

[dennisgrm]

Not fired off in full swing here yet, however have seen 3 bucks chasing does already, (Dumfries & Galloway). Usually 1st or 2nd week in August

 

[JH83]

My Co-stalker on an estate we manage culled a 6 pointer fighting with another through a fence this AM, I have also been sent a video of some chasing nearby. Early days, not on properly but signs it may be slightly early in this part of the world (N Lancs/S Lakes).

 

[finnbear270]

Last Friday I was watching a large group of Doe's in & around a small, maybe half acre clump of tightly packed timber a few miles from the Settle Carlisle viaduct .... further out & closer to me was a very tidy looking Buck couched up, calmy enjoying his bolus ... I thought he will stand up shortly, I'll hang on here, Ranged him @ 260 yards, I thought once he's up & occupied with more browsing I'll shuffle down the hill & take him .... more glassing now reveals a man with a backpack sprayer working his way ( You guessed it) directly towards the Buck, This has now turned into a just watching excercise, I was amazed how long the Buck stood the ever increasing disturbance before rising & barking along with a swift exit into the distance ... The Doe's adding to the racket. Still it made a change from mountain bikers & walkers.

 

[NickJ]

Buck seen cover a doe in Norfolk today

 

[76thirty]

Nothing seen in Herefordshire, all very quiet, some wheat damage where they are usually seen but no chasing obvious.

Fallow also very much in hiding, normally showboating around now until August 1st.

Hopefully see a bit more once the OSR is taken down in the next week or so!

 

[@theroedeerguy]

One of the best evenings Roe Buck calling in 30 years.
Using the Kristoffer Clausen Roe Deer Call Pro, had Roe does running circles around me and Roe bucks in hot pursuit.
1 clean miss due to buck moving off just as I took the shot but another 2 older bucks taken.
Both worthy cull Bucks, one with a head injury and the other borderline murderish type head.
Third buck called was sticking to the Doe that was coming into the call like glue.
Could be some decent rut activity over the next couple of days before the weather breaks.

 

[Pete6.5]

I went out last night and they were rutting well and two bucks came to the call well.

 

[lochty]

Out last night in central Perthshire, saw one doe, no interest in a call and nothing with horns. Even the fallow weren't about which is strange.

 

[Shooterman1]

Out last night in Aberdeenshire and the same as lochty saw one doe and no interest in a call

 

[alan123shooting]

Got this chap this morning, called him in from about 400m to 50m

 

[@theroedeerguy]

Out this morning and very little deer activity, slightly interested in the call but no commitment to come in from either Does or Bucks.
Maybe this evening might prove different.