Rut dates

[netman]

I’m headed to the Kremmling area for second mule deer season. Based on your experience what would you say would be the prime rut dates for this area and what dates for the pre rut?
I ask as I’m new to mule deer hunting and just trying to process hunt stages.
Thanks a bunch!

 

[Jimss]

I would climb out on a limb and say prime rut is generally around Thanksgiving in Western Colo. Anything prior to the 3rd rifle season I would consider pre-rut. Mature bucks are generally hiding out in deep, dark places in bachelor groups during the 2nd season.

 

[netman]

Thank you!

 

[topher89]

I hunt in the same general area during 3rd season and 4th season every other year if my preference points allow. I would typically call 2nd and 3rd pre-rut and 4th rut. Depends on the year though. It was pretty warm last year and 4th was much more like the pre-rut.

I will typically see 5-10 bucks during 3rd and 10-20 during 4th in the same location.

 

[netman]

Thanks!