Bucks Gone Wild!

Spring Break Edition

The rut isn’t the only time bucks break out of their home ranges and go exploring, This study found “spring break” is common among mature bucks.

By Andy Olson, Andrew R. Little, and Karl V. Miller

Spring Excursions on Mature Male White-tailed Deer

During the breeding season, male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have been reported to take excursions outside of their normal home ranges, likely in search of receptive females. However, we documented additional excursive movements by males during spring in north central Pennsylvania. Here is our research and findings.

Is the “Lockdown Phase” a Myth?

Some hunters believe they witness an “October Lull” or a peak-rut “Lockdown Phase” when mature bucks suddenly stop moving or hole-up with an estrus doe. Researcher Andy Olson did not see evidence of either in the movements of three mature Pennsylvania bucks wearing GPS tracking collars.