Halloween Deer Hunting Forecast
The weather forecast for the last week of October is going to bring well-above average temperatures before a major front moves through on Halloween that will bring a drop in temperatures and a few days of off and on rain showers. Even with warmer temperatures this week, this can be a great opportunity to hunt your “core” area buck as the impending rut inches closer and closer by the day. This can be an opportune time to pattern target bucks over scrapes, especially on an evening food source where does have been congregating.
Rub and scrape activity will be reaching peak levels this week and even with warmer temperatures, daytime buck movement will increase as bucks begin to search for the first does coming into heat. Hunting the entire day during this time of year, even with the warmer weather conditions can still be productive. As dry as it’s been here in Illinois, a water hole or pond set in cover, near a food source could make for an exciting hunt.
The hunter pictured harvested that mature buck just minutes before noon, on Oct. 26th, as he crossed a wide-open ridge top in-between bedding areas. Even if you are not seeing deer move mid-day, knowing you did not bust any deer going to and from your stand mid-day can help increase your chances for the evening sit!
This is the best time to utilize calling and decoys as bucks are very territorial during this time frame as they begin to expand their core range searching for early estrous does. Learn more about Pre-Rut Calling and Decoys Here >>
October 25th-31st- Seeking Phase
The last week of October, whitetail bucks will begin seeking for the first does coming into estrous. There may be a few older does that enter into their estrous cycle but it will be limited. However, if she does enter estrous it is very likely that she will be accompanied by an upper age class buck. If there is a cold snap this week, it can be one of your best chances of the season to kill a mature buck 5 ½ years old or older. During this timeframe, it’s also one of the best times to call or decoy a buck in as well.
November 1st-7th – Chase Phase
If you want to see a lot of general buck activity this is consistently the best time frame of the year to do so. There will be a lot of chasing, grunting, fighting, etc. during this week. Provided you have decent weather this is your best opportunity to kill a buck as many age classes of bucks will be very active.
Best of luck this fall!
-Zach Jumps
Last Updated: October 22nd, 2024
