Quick Answer
To hunt rutting bucks from the ground, focus on calling in does or yearlings to a secluded area, and set up in a blind or natural cover, using 20-30 yards of visibility. Use a doe-in-heat call or a mock scrape to attract the bucks. Timing is crucial, as bucks are most active during dawn and dusk.
Understanding Rutting Buck Behavior
Rutting whitetail bucks are driven by instinct and hormones, making them more predictable in their movements. During the peak of the rut, bucks will regularly travel to and from doe bedding areas, feeding areas, and scrapes. Knowing the local topography and using aerial imagery or trail cameras can help you identify these locations and plan your hunt accordingly.
Ground Blind Setup and Calling
When setting up a ground blind, choose a location that provides a clear line of sight to a doe bedding area or a scrape, and consider the wind direction to minimize detection. Use a blind or natural cover such as a thicket or a stand of trees to conceal yourself. For calling, use a doe-in-heat call or a mock scrape to attract the bucks, and vary your calls to mimic the sounds of multiple does. Aim for a calling pattern of 5-10 minutes of calling, followed by 10-15 minutes of silence, to keep the bucks curious.
Pre-Dawn and Dusk Hunts
Hunting during pre-dawn and dusk is crucial for success during the rut. Bucks are most active during these times, and they tend to travel more freely in search of does. Plan your hunt for 45 minutes before dawn or 45 minutes after dusk, and be prepared to move quickly if you detect a buck. Use a spotting scope or binoculars to scan the area and locate the buck, and be ready to take a shot at 20-30 yards.
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