Close Menu
    What's Hot

    Early Season Whitetail Deer Hunting

    August 28, 2025

    Best Spotting Scopes: Field Tested & Reviewed

    August 4, 2025

    Horizon Firearms Review

    July 31, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    North American Deer Hunter North American Deer Hunter
    • Our Audience
      • North American Outdoorsman
      • North American Deer Hunter
      • North American Bowhunter
      • Crossbow Magazine
    • Authors
    • Partners
    • Newsletter
    Facebook Instagram YouTube
    PREMIUM
    • Hunting
      • Whitetail
      • Big Game
      • Bowhunting
      • Stories
      • How to Hunt
    • Gear
      • Gear We Love
      • Gear Reviews
      • New Product Announcements
    • Field to Table
    • News
      • Conservation
      • 2A & Carry
      • Press Releases
    • SWEEPSTAKES
    North American Deer Hunter North American Deer Hunter
    Home»Hunting»Rut Report 2023»Lock Down | Rut Report Episode 10
    Rut Report 2023

    Lock Down | Rut Report Episode 10

    November Rut Hunting, The Time We've All Been Waiting For
    NA Deer Hunter StaffBy NA Deer Hunter StaffNovember 16, 20233 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    For whitetail hunters, the dreaded lockdown is one of the most unproductive times of deer season. For a few it can be one of the luckiest times, but unfortunately, far less than we hope. Lockdown is the phase when a doe becomes submissive to a buck and allows him to become her breeding partner. Although this description does little justice to the real science behind it, a simplistic view of this behavior will save many of us from ripping our hair out over hunting bucks during the lockdown phase.  This just happens to be the time when the majority of does are receptive.

    The lockdown effectively stops the “chase” phase that so many of us hope and dream of. When a buck and doe begin lockdown, they will often do so in a small area. They will not travel much and will remain close to a feeding and bedding areas. Their primary focus for several days will be just to breed and stay secluded. It’s not uncommon to have random mature whitetails show up on your cameras for a few days during the rut but never return. This is often part of the intrigue many hunters have with this time of the year—a chance at deer that do not normally travel their areas. Additionally, you may see higher deer movement in general. The most difficult part of this time of year is the lack of patterns or habitual behavior by whitetails in general; Here today, gone tomorrow.

    Weather this week will play a huge role in activity witnessed.  The fact is, the rut will not stop if we get warm temperatures or low-pressure systems, it just simply moves that movement into the night time. The forecast is still looking great through amongst most of whitetail country, with all the apps pointing to high activity, and the moon phase rolling back around to peak movements edging the morning and evening traditional feeding times.

    We stress the importance that if the rut is on or is about to start, you should use all available resources to hunt a mature buck that shows up on your camera. Call in sick, get in the woods. More likely than not, you may only have a 72–hour window before he suddenly disappears again.


    The 2023 Rut Report is proudly brought to you by these fine partners: Mossberg  |  Taurus Pistols & Revolvers  |  Pyramid Air | Habit Outdoors | Reveal Cellular Cameras |  Spypoint Cameras  |  StealthCam & Muddy Outdoors | Raw Frozen Scents | Forget Genetics

    Per our affiliate disclosure, we may earn revenue from the products available on this page.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Outdoor Specialty Media Group logo
    NA Deer Hunter Staff

    NADH is the authority on hunting the most popular big game animal in North America, the white tailed deer, plus other species of big game from around the world. Readers will have access to passionate, skilled hunters and be able to learn form their experiences in all aspects of Big Game hunting. We’ll share the latest in gear and techniques from the world’s finest manufacturers with our expert reviews and insightful training resources to help make you a more skilled, successful hunter.

    Related Posts

    Rut report Roundup | Rut Report Episode 13

    January 5, 2024

    Late Season Bucks | Rut Report Episode 12

    December 22, 2023

    Late November | Rut Report Episode 11

    November 25, 2023

    The Chase Is On | Rut Report Episode 9

    November 7, 2023

    Sweet November is Here | Rut Report Episode 8

    November 1, 2023

    Last week of October | Rut Report Episode 7

    October 26, 2023
    Top Posts

    The 30-30 Lever Action Hunting Rifle

    October 17, 2024

    When Do Deer Start Growing Antlers: Deer Antler Growth Timeline

    May 28, 2025

    The Hunt for Barnacle Bill, a Pennsylvania Giant

    March 6, 2023
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    Tenpoint TX 28

    NADH is the authority on hunting the most popular big game animal in North America, the white tailed deer, plus other species of big game from around the world. Readers will have access to passionate, skilled hunters and be able to learn form their experiences in all aspects of Big Game hunting.

    Recent Articles
    • Early Season Whitetail Deer Hunting
    • Best Spotting Scopes: Field Tested & Reviewed
    • Horizon Firearms Review
    • 10 Pheasant Hunting Tips: Pheasant Hunting For Beginners
    • Best Upland Hunting Boots
    Quick Links
    • Current Issue
    • Partners
    • Advertise with Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    Useful Resources
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
    • Save on Gear
    • Hunting Resources
    • Where to Hunt
    • Where to Shoot
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Affiliate Marketing Disclosure
    © 2025 Outdoor Specialty Media. Designed by Crossroads Marketing.
    • North American Outdoorsman
    • North American Deer Hunter
    • North American Bowhunter
    • Crossbow Magazine

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.