Breeding

The Prerut The prerut brings about a great change in the whitetail's demeanor. They becomes more aggressive towards other deer. Bucks by far go through the largest behaviorial change, while the does usually spend this time eating and allowing their bodies to prepare for the rut.

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The Rut The rut is the time during which deer mate. It usually lasts for as long as does are in estrus, which is about 2 to 4 days. Doe and Bucks may mate several times during this period, after which bucks find a new mate.

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The Postrut After the rut, bucks are left tired and depleted. Most deer spend this time eating and storing fat for the winter months ahead. Some does which didn't mate during the rut come into estrus again the following month, when they may mate with younger bucks.