Photography by Tes Jolly, written by Greg Kazmierski
As October rolls in, whitetail seasons across the country continue to open with significant changes in buck movement and behavior. Over the years, I have logged a lot of time in the tree stand throughout the month of October and have taken a lot of notes on things I have noticed about buck behavior. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown of what you can expect in October and creating a strategy for the best results.
Week 1 (October 1 - October 8)
The first week of October marks a transitional period in deer behavior. As the early October days unfold, bucks continue to shift from their summer patterns into their fall ranges. During this time, you might notice a decrease in deer movement, a phenomenon often referred to as the "October lull." This period can be frustrating for many hunters as deer seem less active and harder to locate. Mature bucks, in particular, are becoming more cautious and may be found in their core areas, where they feel secure.
Shift your focus to areas with fresh sign around food sources while keeping an eye on transition zones between potential bedding areas and these feeding areas. Although daylight activity may still be limited, hunting close to these transition zones can present the perfect opportunity to fill your buck tag. Look for active scrapes and scrape lines to identify hot spots for deer movement.
Week 2 (October 9 - October 15)
By the second week of October, you’ll see a gradual increase in buck movement as they start to enter their pre-rut period. As the "October lull" begins to fade, bucks will become more active, and their movement patterns will start to shift toward their rutting behavior. Bucks will be on the move more frequently, driven by rising testosterone levels and the approach of the rut. This increased movement will likely lead them to explore new areas, including fresh food sources and new scrape locations.
A good area of focus should be on locating these new scrapes and active scrape lines, which indicate a buck’s presence in the area. Bedding areas near these scrape locations and feeding areas will become prime spots for stand locations. Keep your hunting pressure minimal to avoid spooking deer and affecting their movement patterns. Look for signs of scraping activity and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Week 3 (October 15 - October 22)
The third week of October brings a noticeable uptick in buck movement as the rut nears. During this period, deer behavior becomes increasingly erratic, with bucks covering larger areas in search of does. This is an excellent time for deer hunters to make the most of their time in the woods, as mature bucks are more likely to be on the move.
Focus on bedding areas and travel routes that intersect with food sources. The increased movement around these core areas can provide valuable opportunities for a successful hunt. Trail cameras can be particularly useful during this week to track buck activity and identify hot sign, such as new scrapes and rubs. Mid-October is also an ideal time to evaluate your stand locations and make adjustments based on recent hunts. Positioning yourself near active scrapes or in transition zones between bedding areas and feeding grounds can put you right where you need to be. Many bucks will be more active during daylight hours, so be prepared for potential opportunities throughout the day.
Read More: 5 Ways to Beat the Autumn Lull
Week 4 (October 23 - October 31)
As October draws to a close, the final week often marks the beginning of the whitetail rut. Buck movement will be at its peak for the month, and the activity around scrape sites and doe social areas will intensify. This period is a great time for deer hunters looking to fill their buck tag before their rut trips in early November. Bucks will be actively seeking out does and will travel long distances in their search. The use of mock scrapes and strategically placed trail cameras can help you stay on top of the latest deer activity. Focus on areas with high concentrations of scrape activity and transition zones where bucks are likely to be moving between food sources and bedding areas.
The combination of increased deer movement, the approaching rut, and a well-timed cold front can make for some of the best hunting conditions of the year. Take advantage of the heightened activity by logging more hours in the tree. The final week of October provides an excellent opportunity to catch mature bucks in their pre-rut frenzy and increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Read More: Is Halloween the Best Time to Hunt Big Bucks?
Conclusion
October is a dynamic month for whitetails with significant changes in buck movement and behavior throughout the month. By understanding the patterns and adjustments required for each week, you can better position yourself for success. From early October to the start of the whitetail rut, staying informed and adaptable will give you the edge you need to make the most of your deer hunting season.
