Happy November my nature loving friends. Ken Hall here. Formerly known as the Bird Nut. Changing my title to Nature Nut, just because I want to.
First I want to thank some reader questions I received pertaining to my October article. I will always do my best to answer your emails or inquiries. And if I don’t know, I’ll make something up… just joking.
November is an amazing month of transition in nature. Summer birds are gone. Winter birds are returning. Mosquitoes and biting flies are gone. Trees have returned to there winter sleep. These are all obvious changes.
But there is something going on behind the shrubs and trees that many aren’t aware of. November is the peak time for the Whitetail Deer rut. Now you may ask what is a deer rut? No they don’t become depressed or in a rut. The word rut is from the Latin word, ‘rugire’, which means to roar. It is a term used for the mating season that typically runs from the end of October, through November. Many are unaware of the number of Whitetail Deer along our greenbelt trails. They are masters of camouflage and stealth. However, in November, the shortened days trigger a testosterone spike in Whitetail bucks. In other words, they become quite horny and willing to come out of seclusion for the love of a lovely lady. They go through physical changes. Their necks swell. Their scent glands go into overdrive. They create rubs by leaving scent on shrubs and trees to mark territory. They create scrapes by pawing small divots in the soil and peeing in them. Sometimes rolling in them. They will pee down their legs, or on their belly. Anything to be more attractive to the ladies. Sometimes when wandering the greenbelt I will smell them well before I see them.
They will become quite aggressive defending their smelly turf. Always use caution when you do see a buck this time of year. They have been known to go after people. Especially people with dogs.
Once the territory is established, and they have accrued a harem, you would think it’s all uphill from here. Not a chance. The does play hard to get, or may decide to follow another fellow. Herd buck now has to chase off the interloper, and get his woman back. Sometimes he wins, sometime he loses. In the 30-45 day rut cycle, a mature Whitetail buck will lose up to 30% of his body weight., so post rut can be very stressful on Whitetail bucks. They need food, mass quantities of food. They need rest, and isolation. This is a dangerous time for them. I emphasize keep yourself and your dogs away from them. And please adhere to the leash laws.
So pull out those earbuds. Talk a little quieter. And keep an eye out for one of natures greatest spectacles.
Hope to see you on the trail.
