The Rut Tracker is slowly climbing toward the magic 90% mark, and the woods are buzzing with activity. This week’s movement has been almost entirely buck-driven, with sightings up dramatically over prior weeks. Bucks are moving more than ever, showing up at unexpected times and in places that catch even seasoned hunters off guard. It’s exciting to see the forest alive with action, but most of these sightings are younger bucks still learning their place in the hierarchy.
The big, mature “old boys” haven’t fully made themselves known yet. Once they start hitting the trails, the rut will be in full swing, and hunters everywhere will be heading to their deer stands with anticipation. Until then, observing the younger bucks is still valuable—it gives insight into how deer are moving in your area and can help you adjust your strategies before the real action starts.
Maximize Your Practice with Realistic Simulation
For bowhunters, now is the perfect time to sharpen skills before the mature bucks hit the trails. One way to get serious practice without waiting for the woods to cooperate is the BIGSHOT Video Wall System. This isn’t just any target—it’s a training tool designed for real-world hunting scenarios. What makes it especially powerful is the ability to upload your own trail camera footage directly onto the wall. That means you can practice shooting at the exact bucks you’ve been tracking, replicating their movements, behaviors, and positions.
With lifelike simulations and instant shot feedback, the system allows you to fine-tune your aim, timing, and decision-making. You can walk to your stand with confidence, knowing you’ve already practiced realistic encounters under pressure. It’s like a dress rehearsal for the rut.
Learn more about BIGSHOT Video Wall System options here.
Looking Ahead to Peak Rut
The current activity is just a taste of what’s coming. As the Tracker moves closer to 90% and mature bucks start roaming, movement patterns will intensify. Scrapes, rubs, and daylight cruising will increase, and moments that you’ve been anticipating all year will be here. Staying in tune with the Tracker, observing younger bucks, and practicing with realistic tools like the BIGSHOT Video Wall will make you ready for the peak action.
Patience now pays off later—the right preparation and timing can turn this rut into some of the most memorable hunting of the season.
