Does Rain Affect Deer Movement in the Rut?

When people talk about the rut in association with deer, they are talking about the period when deer start to breed. A rut includes many different mating steps, but for most hunters and non-biologists, when they refer to the rut they are talking about bucks moving as they chase does. Weather conditions and environmental conditions can affect buck movement during this yearly mating ritual.

  1. Movement

    • Bucks move a lot during the rut. Bucks tend to lose the instinctive natural caution they have during this mating period, which allows humans a better opportunity to see bucks move in the wilderness. The increased movement of bucks during this period also increases the chances that hunters will have a large buck to shoot or a car will hit a deer crossing the road. The scent of receptive females causes bucks to move less cautiously during this time period.

    Rain and the Rut

    • Rain does seem to have an effect on buck movement during a rut. Heavy rain can cause discomfort to bucks, slowing down movement. Light rain has not been known to change mating patterns, however, that light rain can cool down temperatures, which can cause an increase in activity during a rut. Movement and mating can increase after a heavy rainstorm or during a calm period of heavy rain, especially if the heavy rain last for hours.

    Other Weather Factors

    • Bucks are more likely to move around during cool weather. Cool weather will increase deer movement and improves on the chances of deer mating. Cold weather does not cause a rut, since deer in tropical climates will also go through a rut. Hot or warm temperatures will slow down movement and breeding. Bucks will rest during hot days, moving again at nightfall or when cooler daytime temperatures arrive.

    Other Rut Factors

    • Does who are in poor physical shape due to a rough environment or lack of food may not mate with bucks. The ratio of bucks to does in an area can also affect the intensity and movement of deer. Too many does in an area will mean a buck is not challenged during mating, and movement will be limited. Too few does will cause bucks to move and fight each other.