Whitetail hunters across the country live for the whitetail rut. Bucks are chasing does, active during daylight hours, and letting down their guard more than any other time of year. However, this magical moment lasts only a few short weeks before the cagey old giants regain their wits and return to their hidden sanctuaries until the next year’s breeding season. But, one of the country’s best-kept secrets is the Alabama whitetail rut. It’s just heating up now! Here’s how to get in on some red hot, down south whitetail action.
A January Rut Hunt?
That’s right. Alabama’s whitetail rut typically runs from Christmas through the first week of February, giving hunters another chance to chase whitetail bucks looking for love. Northern whitetail hunters used to an early to mid-November rut period may be surprised to learn that ‘Bama bucks rut so late, but it’s really based on survival. In the northern part of the whitetail’s range, rut timing has been determined by natural selection. Fawns born too early in the year risk freezing to death or starving due to insufficient food sources at that time of year. Fawns born too late may not be mature enough to survive their first winter. This limits breeding schedules to a pretty narrow window.
However, in Alabama the whitetail rut can start as early as November and end as late as mid-February. Why? It’s partially due to the area’s environment and partially because much of the state’s deer herd was restocked with northern deer in the mid 20th century. The ancestors of these stocked deer still carry some of the tendencies of their distant relatives. On the Alabama DCNR’s website, Wildlife and Fisheries Director Chuck Sykes said, “There are isolated pockets in Alabama, unlike any other place in the nation where I’ve worked, where you’ve got deer rutting in November, December, January, and February. You’ve got months that, depending on where you are in the state, you can hunt the rut.”
What You’ll Need
Before embarking on your January rut hunt in the Yellowhammer State, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate license and a place to hunt. Non-resident licenses come in three different options. A three-day license will run you $131.65, a 10-day license is $186.50, and an annual license comes in at $301.85. Depending on which part of the state you’re hunting, whitetail season runs from October 15 - February 10, giving hunters a great opportunity to hunt the rut. Keep in mind that if you purchase the annual license, you’ll also be eligible to hunt spring turkeys during Alabama’s liberal six-week season (March 15 - April 30.)
The question of where to hunt is best answered by asking yourself what type of hunt it is you want. If you are a diehard DIY hunter looking for a public land hotspot, Alabama has over 1.3 million acres of public hunting land including 34 wildlife management areas along with other public land hunting opportunities.
Those looking for a guided private land hunt can find tons of choices by browsing Guidefitter's selection of Alabama Whitetail Outfitters. You’ll find options that fit your price range, the location you want to hunt, and what type of lodging and accommodations you would like on your trip.
Why Hunt the Alabama Whitetail Rut?
Besides the obvious advantage of getting to chase bucks that are more interested in breeding than staying alive: warm weather, liberal bag limits, and choice of weapon are three of the biggest reasons to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Snowbirds Rejoice
If you live in the north, old man winter has already descended upon you and he won’t be gone for a long time. Heading to Alabama for a rut hunt in early winter could be just the ticket to keep you from developing the wintertime blues too early. While you can’t expect the temps you’d see on a tropical vacation, you will get a welcome break from the frigid temperatures you are currently experiencing. As a general rule of thumb, expect lows in the lower 30s and highs in the mid-50s (T-shirt weather to many northerners) during the state’s January whitetail rut.
Stack Up the Bucks
Alabama bag limits are liberal, allowing each hunter to take up to three bucks per season. One of the bucks must sport at least four points on a side, but who’s going on a destination hunt to shoot three one-and-a-half year old bucks? Outfitters vary on the number of bucks included in their hunt packages. So be sure to ask questions if you’re looking to take home multiple bucks.
Choose Your Weapon
More than almost any other state, Alabama allows hunters to harvest whitetails with the weapon of their choice. During the January rut, hunters can choose to use a rifle, shotgun, vertical bow (compound or traditional), crossbow, air rifle, or muzzleloader. Even spear hunting is allowed.
Knowing the proper whitetail rut hunting tactics will aid in your success this time of year in addition to having a grunt call and doe bleat in your pack.
What are you waiting for? Take some vacation time, grab your favorite weapon, and head for the Heart of Dixie to experience the excitement of the whitetail rut all over again!
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