Michigan · Whitetail rut
Whitetail rut dates in Michigan.
Michigan's rut peaks November 5–20, with the Upper Peninsula running a week behind the southern Lower Peninsula.
Nov 5 – Nov 14 → Nov 13 – Nov 22 · Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan's whitetail rut spans nearly two weeks because of the state's wide latitude range. Southern Lower Peninsula bucks peak first, with the Upper Peninsula running about a week later. Photoperiod is the primary driver, and Michigan DNR's fetal-rate research has consistently shown this north-south progression.
Zone
Southern Lower Peninsula
- Pre-rut
- Oct 23 – Nov 4
- Peak breeding
- Nov 5 – Nov 14
- Post-rut
- Nov 15 – Nov 28
- Late rut
- Dec 3 – Dec 16
Zone
Northern Lower Peninsula
- Pre-rut
- Oct 27 – Nov 9
- Peak breeding
- Nov 10 – Nov 19
- Post-rut
- Nov 20 – Dec 3
- Late rut
- Dec 8 – Dec 21
Zone
Upper Peninsula
- Pre-rut
- Oct 30 – Nov 12
- Peak breeding
- Nov 13 – Nov 22
- Post-rut
- Nov 23 – Dec 6
- Late rut
- Dec 11 – Dec 24
Source
Data sourced from Michigan DNR Wildlife Division deer-program reports.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources →Bield Hunt earns its predictions.
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