Where are the bucks?

[wildfowler.250]

Well the does seem to be on the go. Plenty yearling bucks are kicking about. But interestingly, I seem to be seeing very few older bucks about since they all split up end of April / early May.

Normal for this time of year? Is it a pre-rut thing? Either that, or they’re too crafty and sticking to the thicker cover. The fact that I’m seeing does and yearlings though makes me think it’s not a spotting issue. But we are still doing it the classic, non - thermal way!


Interested to hear how everyone else is getting on? The 3am alarms are tough..

 

[wytonpjs]

Well the does seem to be on the go. Plenty yearling bucks are kicking about. But interestingly, I seem to be seeing very few older bucks about since they all split up end of April / early May.

Normal for this time of year? Is it a pre-rut thing? Either that, or they’re too crafty and sticking to the thicker cover. The fact that I’m seeing does and yearlings though makes me think it’s not a spotting issue. But we are still doing it the classic, non - thermal way!

Interested to hear how everyone else is getting on? The 3am alarms are tough..

Yes and yes - laying up putting on weight/fat ready for the rut.

 

[Mungo]

Well the does seem to be on the go. Plenty yearling bucks are kicking about. But interestingly, I seem to be seeing very few older bucks about since they all split up end of April / early May.

Normal for this time of year? Is it a pre-rut thing? Either that, or they’re too crafty and sticking to the thicker cover. The fact that I’m seeing does and yearlings though makes me think it’s not a spotting issue. But we are still doing it the classic, non - thermal way!


Interested to hear how everyone else is getting on? The 3am alarms are tough..

Totally normal.

 

[TobyF]

Same on my ground. Trail cameras were showing some lovely mature lads kicking around early in the season. They have now all dispersed. Looking forward to see who returns back in the rut.

 

[Tim.243]

Well the does seem to be on the go. Plenty yearling bucks are kicking about. But interestingly, I seem to be seeing very few older bucks about since they all split up end of April / early May.

Normal for this time of year? Is it a pre-rut thing? Either that, or they’re too crafty and sticking to the thicker cover. The fact that I’m seeing does and yearlings though makes me think it’s not a spotting issue. But we are still doing it the classic, non - thermal way!


Interested to hear how everyone else is getting on? The 3am alarms are tough..

Fallow Bucks are putting on weight....

 

[JH83]

Very normal. I don’t stalk much in June at all, bucks in heavy cover doing very little, getting set for the main event.

 

[wildfowler.250]

Cheers folks. I can’t quite remember putting as much time in June before , maybe I’m usually out with the fly rod or at the mackerel by now. Anyway, resting up seems to be the only thing I can think of,(other than them coming out last knockings) which you’ve all backed up.


Suppose I should mark where the bulk of the does are. The rut can be very hit or miss mind you!

 

[Heym SR20]

I am glad others are seeing nowt. I was beginning to doubt myself. It has also been cold and wet so any half respecting deer will be in the deep woods - where there is still plenty of good fresh forage to eat.

 

[sako751sg]

It's the cover doing it's job and making things harder for us and easier for the beasts.

The trail cameras show they are still in the same places but in cover it can be impossible to spot them.

Have seen one lovely beast for 4 years now in the same place,but very sparingly and after not seeing him the whole of this year,he appeared in very heavy cover 2 weekends ago.Well aged now and luckily got him but it shows you never know when they will turn up.

 

[Cyres]

All vanished as normal. V heavy cover with huge amount of grass for hay awaiting cutting.
D

 

[HonestJohn]

Every June aliens come and beam up the bucks, then they bring them back in Mid-July. I thought you knew !

 

[NullMac]

In the Poachers boot

 

[25 Sharps]

Well the does seem to be on the go. Plenty yearling bucks are kicking about. But interestingly, I seem to be seeing very few older bucks about since they all split up end of April / early May.

Normal for this time of year? Is it a pre-rut thing? Either that, or they’re too crafty and sticking to the thicker cover. The fact that I’m seeing does and yearlings though makes me think it’s not a spotting issue. But we are still doing it the classic, non - thermal way!


Interested to hear how everyone else is getting on? The 3am alarms are tough..

I’ve had 4 off little patch this year, still 2 x 5 point bucks and nice old 6 pointer and a couple of smaller bucks about. I also had a nice little cull buck on an invite out with @J.kerslake last week plus we saw another mature buck.



They are about, just much harder to see now the cover is all up.

 

[Mungo]

And then when you do shoot one, it’s an absolute bastar* to find.

Clean head shot one at 40m last night. Tumbled down a steep slope into thick bracken and rotted logs covered in ivy. Took 45 minutes to find.

 

[Donkey Basher]

Fallow Bucks are putting on weight....

Roll on 1 August...

 

[fox308]

Yeh we are the same not seeing many old bucks