How to Hunt the Second Rut in December: Strategies

Understanding the Second Rut

The second rut is often overlooked but can offer excellent hunting opportunities. It occurs a few weeks after the peak rut in November, usually in early to mid-December, when does that weren’t bred the first time come back into estrus. Young bucks, still driven by instinct, may be seen chasing does during this period. Some does may enter estrus again during this period. Younger does that weren’t ready the first time may also enter their first estrous cycle. Bucks, still driven by instinct, pick up on these cues and resume rut behaviors, though often with less intensity. This secondary phase may not have the wild chases of the main rut, but it can still bring mature bucks out in daylight.

Identifying Key Signs of Activity

Spotting the second rut means knowing what rutting activity to look for. Watch for fresh rubs and reopened scrapes that had gone cold after the primary rut. Hot scrapes become significant again as bucks reestablish their territorial behaviors, making these prime locations for hunters to target. Bucks may begin scent-checking bedding areas again, and trail cameras can catch increased movement around food plots and travel corridors from cruising bucks. Focus on areas where you’ve seen rut activity before, especially near doe bedding zones. Pay attention to any change in daylight buck activity—it’s often subtle but telling.

Targeting Food Sources

By December, deer are focused on their preferred food source. Does are feeding heavily to recover from or prepare for breeding, and bucks are trying to regain energy after a taxing rut. Food plots, crop edges, and mast-rich areas become magnets. Woody browse also serves as an important food source, especially in areas with lush grasses and forbs. If does are using them consistently, bucks won’t be far behind. Set up downwind of a food source with good visibility and cover. Morning hunts can still be productive, but evening sits tend to shine during this period.

Playing the Wind and Weather

Colder weather increases movement, especially as deer feed more aggressively ahead of storms or cold fronts. Wind still matters—position yourself where your scent won’t blow into feeding areas or bedding cover. Bucks cruising for a last breeding opportunity often work the downwind edges of known doe areas, so align your stand or blind accordingly. Increased hunting pressure during this period makes deer more cautious and alters their movement patterns. Utilizing the best security cover available is crucial, as mature bucks seek refuge in thicker, more protected areas. Dress for warmth and comfort—long sits are often necessary, and movement in the cold is usually slower.

Calling and Decoy Use

Grunt calls and light rattling can still be effective during the second rut, especially near bedding areas in the morning or food in the evening when bucks are actively chasing does. Bucks are responsive but more cautious, so keep things subtle. Even in late-season hunting scenarios, mature bucks will actively seek out hot does, often ignoring other influences such as food sources in their pursuit. A single doe decoy or a bedded buck can add visual realism to your setup. Don’t overdo it—use calls to grab attention, then let curiosity take over. Sometimes a simple estrus bleat is enough to pull in a late-season cruiser.

Adapting to Lower Pressure

Many hunters have tagged out or hung up their gear after November, which means less pressure in the woods. Deer often respond positively to this shift, returning to daylight patterns and more predictable routes, especially during the post rut. This is especially true on public land. Effective hunting tactics, such as understanding deer behavior and selecting optimal locations like bedding areas and food sources, are crucial during this period. Use this to your advantage by hunting areas others have overlooked or abandoned. Scout with fresh eyes and track patterns that developed since the last heavy push of pressure.

Conclusion

The second rut may not have the chaos of November, but it offers strategic, calculated breeding opportunities to tag a mature buck. By focusing on food, reading fresh sign, hunting with the wind, and staying alert to subtle shifts in behavior, you can take advantage of this overlooked window. Keep your gear ready, your patience sharp, and your eyes on the does—because where they are, a buck may not be far behind.

FAQs

When does the second rut typically occur?

The second rut usually happens in the first week of December, about a month after the peak rut, depending on your region. This period follows the critical phase in early November when bucks begin to exhibit rutting behaviors.

How can I tell if the second rut is happening?

Look for fresh scrapes, rubs, or increased buck movement near bedding areas and food sources in the last few days leading up to the second rut. Hot scrapes, especially those near food sources, are prime indicators of rut activity as bucks reestablish their territorial behaviors.

Trail cams are helpful for spotting subtle changes.

Is calling still effective during the second rut?

Yes, but keep it light and natural. Bucks are more cautious, so subtle grunts or bleats are more effective than aggressive rattling. During the second rut, bucks are often in a chase, intensely focused on pursuing does and frequently disregarding food sources in their excitement. As the second rut rolls, deer remain active and exhibit typical rutting behavior, requiring hunters to adapt their techniques to the increased awareness of the deer from prior encounters with hunters.

Where should I set up during the second rut?

Focus on the downwind sides of known doe bedding and feeding areas, as well as strategic pinch points. Bucks will be scent-checking these zones for receptive does. Understanding and targeting bedding areas can greatly improve your hunting success, especially during the peak of the rut when bucks are more active.

Is evening hunting better during the second rut?

Often, yes. During the second rut, evening hunts can be particularly effective, especially in the first week of December when bucks are still actively seeking unbred does. Deer movement around food sources is more predictable in the evenings as temperatures drop and feeding ramps up. This is especially true in areas with female-heavy deer populations, where unbred does from the main rut can lead to additional breeding opportunities, influencing buck behavior and hunting strategies.