There are plenty of challenges when it comes to bowhunting mature whitetails. Many of them come in the precise setting of stands and blinds where we’ll at least have a chance to score. But some of the more-preventable challenges come when a target buck is finally in sight and it’s time to make the shot.
You must be prepared to make the shot that’s presented, and there isn’t a more-challenging time to test your skills than the whitetail rut. Mostly, that’s when things can happen fast. And unfortunately, often it’s too fast for the unprepared.
Here are three rut-time shot scenarios bowhunters need to prepare for, both mentally and physically.
SHORT SHOTS
It’s easy to get sloppy or complacent on short shots. After all, the buck you’ve been waiting for is suddenly right there in front of you. Too easy? Hardly. Instead of focusing on a deer’s chest, focus on just one hair.
And when a deer is really close, more or less underneath you, there’s a real chance of hitting only one lung. In such cases, patience rules. Although it can be tough to hold off, the best angle occurs as a buck begins to walk away. At that point, aim just a bit back to angle your arrow through the liver and into the chest. Finally, be sure to keep good shooting form by bending at the waist, rather than simply lowering your bow arm without bending. The difference is huge — and will help prevent high misses on short shots.
WALKING/TROTTING BUCK
Bucks seem to be in perpetual motion during the rut, and many bowhunters prefer to stop them in range with a mouth grunt or bleat. It’s a good plan, as long as you’re drawn back and aiming before you broadcast your “meh.” But attempting to stop a buck is not foolproof. Some will spook and bolt at your grunt, and others, now on high alert, will jump the string.
Personally, if shooting lanes are wide enough and the buck’s forward motion is consistent and not herky-jerky, my preference is to take the moving shot — if the distance is 20 yards or less. Beyond that it’s smart to attempt to stop him. And on moving shots, remember that it’s typically easier to hold on a specific shooting lane or opening, rather than swinging your bow with the deer and timing the opening.
QUICK SHOTS
Much like cruising bucks out looking for does, bucks zipping around the woods chasing does are a rut-time staple. So a buck can suddenly sprint wildly from out of nowhere into your setup, pause, and then continue the chase. Will you be ready?
To prepare for these literal split-second encounters, there are a few things you can do. Standing (rather than sitting) as much as possible during your hunt will give you the best chance to react quickly without detection. And holding onto your bow during your sit will give you the best chance for readiness.
I make a habit of holding my bow during prime-time stretches — and when I see or hear chasing — but mostly I use a three-section adjustable bow holder that positions the bow out in front of me, so grabbing the handle is nearly effortless and virtually undetectable.
When hunting with a compound, I also use a trusted thumb-trigger release that has jaws that open when depressing the trigger and close when letting up — so it’s nearly automatic to hook up to my loop. Also, I prefer a loop made of bright fluorescent chartreuse cord (as opposed to the standard black) so it stands out during dusk and dawn.
When it comes to the whitetail rut, fractions of a second can determine whether you experience a successful shot, or arrive home packing a sad story.