Navigate the "October Lull" Like a Pro!

Hello, fellow land stewards!

Welcome back to Whetstone Weekly, your trusted source for all things habitat and hunting. In this issue, we will delve deep into the fascinating world of hunting white-tailed deer during the “October Lull,” commonly believed to be a downtime for deer activity. However, we believe this is not the case, and we will show you how to take advantage of this underappreciated part of the deer hunting season. While here, please visit our website, www.whetstonehabitat.com, for more tips, gear recommendations, and updates on our latest projects.

Acorn Drop - A Sign of Opportunity

If you want to fill your buck tag during this underrated time of year, it is essential to pay attention to the acorn drop, specifically the crop from white oak species. Acorns provide essential energy for deer, crucial before the rut (breeding season). It helps them build up fat reserves necessary for enduring the physically demanding rutting activities and surviving the upcoming winter months. During this period, white oak trees can be a valuable food source as they produce acorns that deer love. While red oak species may also distribute acorns in the same area as white oaks, deer tend to avoid the more bitter, tannin-rich red oak acorns until their preferred food sources vanish.

Find the White Oak Trees:

Identifying a white oak tree based on its bark, leaves, and acorns requires attention to specific characteristics:

• Bark

  • White oak bark is typically light gray to light brown.

  • It has a scaly or blocky appearance with shallow, irregular furrows.

  • Older white oak trees may have smoother, more fissured bark.

• Leaves

  • White oak leaves are lobed, typically with 5-9 rounded lobes.

  • The lobes often have rounded tips and no bristle at the end.

  • The leaves are dark, rich green in summer and turn a reddish-brown to purplish in the fall.

• Acorns

  • White oak acorns are relatively large and have a sweet, less bitter taste compared to other oak species.

  • They have a shallow cap that covers about a quarter of the acorn, and the cap is typically warty or pebbly in texture.

  • White oak acorns mature in one season and fall to the ground in the autumn.

Scout your hunting area to identify white oak trees currently producing acorns: That is where you want to be. The acorns should be getting ready to fall or already on the ground. White oak acorns mature yearly on the terminal end of the tree limbs, where the newest growth has occurred. You may need to bring a pair of low-powered binoculars to look in the canopy for trees still holding. Acorns are especially present after a windy day or torrential rain.

Look for evidence of recent deer use: Keep an eye out for deer tracks, scrapes, rubs, droppings, and heavily browsed vegetation around these oak trees. Acorn caps and crushed acorns are a good sign of deer consumption (deer can be sloppy eaters!) The fresh sign indicates recent deer activity. Pick a stand with a good backdrop (remember, the leaves are dropping) and better access. October mornings are notorious for crunchy leaves!

Hunting the Weather Fronts - A Game Changer

The October lull doesn’t mean you should stay home. Instead, leverage weather patterns to your advantage. Pay special attention to drastic changes in temperature and barometric pressure. Here’s why:

Weather Fronts: Deer activity tends to increase when weather fronts approach. Cooler temperatures and shifts in barometric pressure can prompt deer to become more active, especially during dawn and dusk.

Be Prepared: Be ready to head out to your hunting spot when you see favorable weather conditions on the horizon. This could be your ticket to bagging a trophy buck.

Unraveling the Mystery of Scrapes and Rubs

Scrapes and Rubs: These are signs of deer activity and communication within their social hierarchy. Locate fresh scrapes and rubs in your hunting area, especially those made by mature bucks. Typically, the larger the tree rubbed, the larger the deer making the rub. If smaller trees are growing around the tree rubbed, you can often estimate the spread of the buck by looking for damage to the adjacent trees.

Trail Cameras: Set up trail cameras near these signposts to pattern mature bucks and understand their movement patterns. This information is invaluable as you prepare for the upcoming rut. Place the cameras as high as you can to minimize intrusion. For the same reason, I try to hang cameras during rain storms. Travel patterns change year-to-year depending on food availability, land use practices, crop rotation, etc. Do not get married to deer travel routes! 

In conclusion, we’ve explored the secrets to conquering the “October lull” and maximizing your whitetail deer hunting success. Remember, it’s all about adapting your strategies to this season’s unique challenges, from tracking down acorns under white oak trees to monitoring weather fronts and patterning scrape and rub use through trail cameras. As you venture into the woods, prioritize safety and ethical hunting practices. With the proper knowledge and some luck, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable hunting season. Stay patient, persistent, and observant; you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. Happy hunting, and see you next week! Good luck out there, fellow hunters, and may your patience and skill lead you to the trophy buck of your dreams!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions, insights, or stories from your fall hunting season! Visit our Contact page and fill out a Form Submission to tell us more about your farm and learn how Whetstone Habitat can give your property the edge!

whetstonehabitat

View more on Instagram