DEER HUNTING SEASON

2007-2008 DEER HUNTING SCHEDULE

Back

DEER HUNTING AREAS

LOUISIANA RUT ACTIVITY 2007-2008

The prediction of rutting activity in Louisiana is based upon scrape initiation of the bucks for a particular deer area.  Studies done in Areas 3 and 1 indicated that rut initiation begins sometime between the new moon and the full moon cycle.  In Area 3 this usually occurs during September and in the early rut portion of Area 1 this usually occurs in late October or early November.

For 2007 the lunar schedule would indicate that scrape initiation would begin at the end of August in Area 3 and in the early portion of Area 1 during the latter part of October.  Hunters need to keep in mind that other factors influence breeding activity.  The genetic make-up of the does determines when ovulation and breeding would occur.  The overall physical condition of a doe will also influence their reproductive schedule.  Does that are healthy and in good condition following their time of raising fawns should ovulate and breed at the time they normally do, especially if mast is available for them.  Does that have been stressed out from fawn rearing, drought conditions, etc. may not be physically ready for reproductive activity and such activity would occur at a later time, after the does have recovered from the stress.  It appears that the deer herds in Louisiana will follow their normal breeding schedule for the 07/08 hunting season.  In 2006 breeding activity was somewhat later than it normally is.