Biologists study timing of whitetail deer rut

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency biologists are conducting a special study to determine the timing of whitetail deer rut (mating) behavior in parts of Tennessee.

Daryl Ratajczak, TWRA's chief of wildlife, said the effort is at the request of hunters in the Franklin County area who complained that deer season closed before their peak rut even began.

Every deer hunter knows that big bucks are most susceptible when mating season begins. In most areas of Tennessee, that is generally around Thanksgiving. However, there can be major differences in rutting behavior within relatively small geographic areas. Hunters in parts of North Alabama say their peak rut occurs in January ... after Tennessee's deer season closes on Jan. 1.

Franklin County hunters told Ratajczak the same is true in their area, so biologists are going to find out.
He said biologists and officers are coordinating with landowners with high deer populations to take does. Biologists examine the fetuses and can determine precisely when the does bred. The deer they take are then donated to the Hunters for the Hungry program, which provides venison to needy families.

Ratajczak said that so far they have taken 20 does in Giles and Wayne counties, with two more upcoming operations planned in Franklin County.

TWRA used to gather similar data routinely in certain parts of the state during deer season. However, Ratajczak said that he doesn't have the manpower to do that anymore, and much of their data is 20 years old.

But in response to concerns expressed by numerous hunters in the Franklin County area, Ratajczak decided it was time to make a special effort to see if their concerns are valid. He said the deer season has been expanded in other parts of the state as a result of similar concerns expressed by hunters.

As to why rutting behavior can differ dramatically among deer in close geographic proximity, Ratajczak said, "I don't know. It amazes me as well."

He said that he has closely examined similar data gathered in Alabama and knows it is true.

Depending upon what biologists learn through the current effort, Tennessee deer hunters might someday get to hunt well into the new year.

Richard Simms is a contributing writer, focusing on outdoor sports.