There have been numerous articles written about the moon's effect on animal behavior. In fact, several popular magazines have regular columns which rate animal activity levels based on lunar events. You'll find many opinions from hunters and writers on how whitetail deer and the rut are influenced by the moon and it's various phases.
One of my favorite books on this subject is "Hunting Whitetails by the Moon" by Charles Alsheimer. This well written book is packed full of information, research data, and helpful tips. Charlie makes an excellent argument that the moon does indeed influence a whitetail's behavior. Although the book was published in 1999, it has a table showing when the "rutting moon" occurs and relative days of breeding activity through the year 2020.
According to the book the 2004 Rutting Moon occurs on October 28. and the Prime Chase Period (when bucks chasing does is most active) happens between October 25 to November 3. The Breeding Window (when breeding is most intense) occurs from November 4 -17. The 2004 Trophies of Grace Whitetail Deer Hunt, which runs from October 22 thru October 30, coincides nearly perfectly with the chasing phase. This year's hunt, our 12th, could be one of the most exciting relative to buck activity.
If you want to know more about the moon and it's affect on deer, I encourage you get a copy of "Hunting Whitetails by the Moon". The book is written by Charles (Charlie) Alsheimer and published by Krause Publications. If you want to know more about the Trophies of Grace Whitetail Deer Hunt, follow this link.
Roger Fugate
Lord of the Harvest Archery Club
Bowhunting Tar Hollow deer by moonlight?!?
Well, not exactly ........
