Adapt your tactics to match each distinct part of the rut. Here is how to hunt the phase of the rut. Link in bio to learn more. #Realtree Don’t put too much stock into rut sign yet other than allowing it to serve as confirmation that there are bucks in the area. Also, avoid morning hunts during this phase. Evening sits are where it’s at. Calling and rattling tactics can work, but hold out until the latter half of this phase to really get loud with them. Now the bucks are feeling their oats. This is the phase that we all love. It’s what deer hunters identify as the rut, even though actual breeding likely won’t occur for a few more days. Bucks, even mature ones, are seen chasing does now. Another tactic to use during this phase is setting up in funnels, such as pinch-points, saddles, etc. Bucks often travel through these areas of least resistance as they search for the next estrus doe. Most of the truly mature bucks will have responded to hunting pressure by now, meani...