There’s no doubt that the week following Halloween is one of the best times to be in the woods hunting deer in New York State! All across the Empire State, trail cameras are capturing big bucks on the move. If you have cameras out, now’s the time to check your SD cards or app footage and you might just find some incredible rut activity this fall.
I recently upgraded to a better trail camera and set it up in the woods where I hunt. Up until now, I’ve mostly seen does and a few small fawns passing by. But this week, I caught something special — a pair of young bucks sparring and even taking a short break from their little fight to check out the camera on the tree!
Archery season is still underway across New York State, and the regular firearm season opens on November 15. If you haven’t picked up a doe permit yet, there are still a few leftover permits available through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These extra tags are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait too long to grab one.
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From my experience, the days between November 6 and Veterans Day are prime time for full rut activity. Even in my own backyard, I’ve seen some nice bucks sparring and chasing does. It’s truly a magical time of year for those of us who love deer hunting in New York.
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Gallery Credit: Clay Moden
Looking ahead, the forecast calls for a change in the weather. Winds and rain are expected to shift into some lake-effect snow early in the week, which could create another great opportunity to see deer on the move. Good luck to everyone heading out this week or getting ready for opening day and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic stretch for New York deer hunters!
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Gallery Credit: Clay Moden