A late full moon in November 21 will likely mean a late peak rut this year in the northern hemisphere. This is known as the rutting moon ( second full moon after the autumn equinox). It arrives nearly three weeks later than in 2009. Based on research records data* from 1997 and 2005, when the rutting moon was also late( Nov. 14 and 16), it revealed that the rut was late and not as intense.
This years rut activity should start around Oct.22. I found a fresh scrape Oct.23. On my drive to work ( in Ontario, Canada) Oct.28, 7am, I had a close encounter on the highway with a buck chasing a doe.
The most intense chasing will occur from Nov.21 to 25.
Minor and major sweet spots.
Oct 22-Nov.2 minor
Nov.20-30 major
Expect the week of Nov.7 to 14 to be slow for hunters.
* from Charles J. Alsheimer research
