Montana · Whitetail rut

Whitetail rut dates in Montana.

Montana's whitetail rut peaks November 10–22 — late and tight, with river-bottom bucks running visibly.

Nov 11 – Nov 22 → Nov 9 – Nov 20 · Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana's whitetail rut runs in the second half of November across the state's river-bottom timber and forest-edge habitat. The state has both whitetail and mule deer; whitetail dominate the river systems while mule deer hold the open prairie and mountain country. Montana FWP publishes deer harvest data and refines rut windows through field observations.

Zone

Western Montana (Forest)

Pre-rut
Oct 28 – Nov 10
Peak breeding
Nov 11 – Nov 22
Post-rut
Nov 23 – Dec 6
Late rut
Dec 11 – Dec 24

Zone

Eastern Montana (River Bottoms & Prairie)

Pre-rut
Oct 26 – Nov 8
Peak breeding
Nov 9 – Nov 20
Post-rut
Nov 21 – Dec 4
Late rut
Dec 9 – Dec 22

Source

Data sourced from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks deer-program reports.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

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