Maine · Whitetail rut

Whitetail rut dates in Maine.

Maine's rut peaks November 10–20, with the big-woods northern zones running a few days behind the populated southern counties.

Nov 8 – Nov 18 → Nov 11 – Nov 21 · Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Maine's whitetail rut clusters tightly in the second and third weeks of November. Northern Maine bucks may run a few days later than southern bucks, but the latitude effect within the state is small relative to the genetic factors. Maine produces some of the largest-bodied whitetails in the country, and that size class is in active rut behavior throughout this window.

Zone

Southern Maine

Pre-rut
Oct 25 – Nov 7
Peak breeding
Nov 8 – Nov 18
Post-rut
Nov 19 – Dec 2
Late rut
Dec 7 – Dec 20

Zone

Central & Northern Maine (Big Woods)

Pre-rut
Oct 28 – Nov 10
Peak breeding
Nov 11 – Nov 21
Post-rut
Nov 22 – Dec 5
Late rut
Dec 10 – Dec 23

Source

Data sourced from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife deer-program biologist reports.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

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