West Central Arkansas Rut Report

Hunted Fort Chaffee all last week and the rut is in full swing. It started Thursday morning and really heated up Saturday morning. All activity I have seen has been in the morning...I guess do to the cooler temperatures. I've seen small and mature bucks chasing does along with actual breeding taking place.

Saw a mature buck chasing a doe last evening right before dark. Went back this morning and caught him going to bedding area at 6:45 a.m.

I have also seen bucks chasing over the last week. Not sure if it is pre chasing or peak breeding though ... BOB, whereabouts did you see him in west arkansas? And did you kill him???? Would love to see pictures of him in the forum.

I would have to say that the peak of the rut is over here in West Central Arkansas. I have hunted since October 1 and saw much more rut activity during muzzel loading season. Also, out of 1200 hunters for the opening of Fort Chaffee gun hunt only 217 deer were checked in. Several people I talked with that participate in that special hunt saw large groups of does without any sightings of Bucks. As well, I was able to get a picture of a nice buck on private property that looks like he has dropped 30 pounds since September.
Anyone have any input. I would apprecitate hearing your comments.

Very odd.... I have 250 acre just east of Chaffie. Ive been hunting since oct as well, and out here I am JUST NOW seeing rutting activity. Last week I got a nice trail cam pic of 3 bucks eating from my feeder. I would post the picture for everyone to see for there own eyes but the SD card is in the camera still. Tonight for the first time I seen the 10 pointer I call "Mossy" chasing a doe and just my luck I forgot about the rear lens cap and missed my chance..... Hopefully this cold front will make the AM hunt just a little better.

Derrick, your post has rejuvenated me. I would be interested to see how the woods were this morning. I am stuck at work. Thanks.

I think most of the rutting activity occured at night and because of the full moon now we won't be seeing any big boys unless it's right before dark. Daniel, hey I didn't kill the buck. He was slipping through the woods and it was still pretty dark. I did take a nice 125 inch 8 pt. on the 20th right at last light. Bucks are getting back together on my property. I hunt Logan Co.

sunday the 29th i got 7 different buts on my trail cam, 2 which are fighting, and 2 nice 10 points..they have been coming to te feeder at night only...few small young bucks in the day only...i think there getting into there feeding times before the long cold winter starts....lots of shots durning M G this year has them all spooked in johnson county....try the food sources