Pre-rut activity has been showing more sign.  I have noticed some scrapes being cleaned out, also a few new ones.  Most of these are happening at night. I have checked the cameras and most of the movement I’m seeing is from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.  We all know that the day is soon coming when the big mature deer will be on their feet!

Temperatures here in southern Iowa have been unseasonably warm.  This week we have been in the low 80’s, but that’s all about to change.  Finally, the cold front we have been waiting for is upon us! Halloween is just around the corner and we all know that this is the “Magical Week”; bucks seem to get on their feet.  With the temperatures plummeting some 20 degrees, this weekend I hope to see some daylight activity.  I can assure you I will be sitting in the Ameristep stands waiting on the hit list bucks!

This is the time of year that consumes us.  We spend countless hours looking through the trail camera pictures and topographical maps trying to find that perfect pinch point or funnel for a stand location during the rut.  Hopefully the weather will stay cool, get the rut started and keep the deer moving. Keep an eye on the blog and follow the Working Class Whitetail’s staff.  See if anyone fills their tag as the season gets under way!

Good luck to all you hunters! Stay warm, be safe!