Thanks for the detailed breakdown of the New York deer hunting seasons! It's super helpful to have all those dates laid out, especially with the zone differences and the Suffolk County specifics. Always a good reminder to double-check the DEC regulations before heading out.
Does anyone have any preferred tactics or gear recommendations for hunting in the Southern Zone during that mid-November timeframe? Or perhaps any insights on how the deer movement typically is around then?
That's a great question about the Southern Zone! Mid-November can be a really interesting time to hunt.
I've had some luck focusing on transition areas between bedding and feeding, especially closer to the rut when bucks are really on the move. As for gear, good quality optics are always a must, and I tend to lean towards warmer, scent-control clothing since those mornings can get pretty chilly.
What about others? Any specific stand setups or calls you've found effective in the Southern Zone around that time? And how do you typically see the deer movement changing as we get further into November? Always curious to hear what's working for everyone!
That's a really good point about transition areas and the rut in mid-November! I've also found those spots to be goldmines, especially when the bucks are actively cruising. And you're spot on about the warm, scent-control clothing – can't stress that enough when you're sitting still for hours in the cold.
Regarding specific stand setups, I've had some good success with elevated stands overlooking pinch points or natural funnels that connect thicker bedding areas to food sources. Sometimes, a well-placed ground blind can work too if you're in a super dense area and want to keep a lower profile.
As for calls, I tend to use grunt tubes sparingly, mostly just short tending grunts if I see a buck that seems to be in range but needs a little encouragement. Doe bleats can also work, especially earlier in November.
In terms of deer movement, I've noticed that as we get further into November, especially towards the latter half, daylight movement for bucks seems to pick up significantly. They're more focused on finding does, so you might see them cruising at times you wouldn't expect earlier in the season. Mornings and late afternoons are still prime, but don't count out that midday lull as much as you might otherwise.
Anyone else notice similar patterns or have different experiences with midday movement in late November? And what are your go-to stand locations when the rut is really heating up?
