In this week’s Whitetail Brief I catch up with Dan Johnson and dig into the heart of rut hunting — that magical window when bucks are chasing and the woods turn electric. We talk about embracing the “rutcation” mindset: yes, you’re working a job, you’ve got family responsibilities, but this is your chance to lean into the rut and make the most of it. We share stories from the field, balancing family and time in the stand, and getting sharp on deer behaviour. The big message: when bucks are ready to breed and does aren’t quite there yet, that’s prime real estate. Weather shifts matter. Doesn’t matter how many rubs and scrapes you’ve got if the does aren’t moving. We shift focus to staging areas near doe bedding, and caution against over-calling — subtlety wins. Plus, we talk kids in the woods and using trail-camera data like gold. If you’re chasing whitetails during the rut, this one’s for you.

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Take-Aways:

    •    “Rutcation” is your shot at hunting during the rut even with work/family.

    •    Balance family + hunting = better time in the woods, less guilt.

    •    Study deer behaviour — that’s your edge.

    •    Peak window: bucks ready, does not yet.

    •    Weather changes = deer movement changes.

    •    Tracking does > obsessing over rubs and scrapes.

    •    Hunt where does are bedding and staging.

    •    Don’t over-call — subtlety gets results.

    •    Bring the kids — rut hunts can be memorable for everyone.

    •    Use trail-camera intel to plan hunts smart