Whitetail behavior changes in September

In September, whitetailed deer undergo several significant behavioral changes as they transition from the late summer period into the early stages of the fall. This month is crucial as it marks the beginning of their preparation for the upcoming rut (breeding season) and the colder months ahead. Here’s an overview of the key behavior changes in whitetail deer during September:

1. Shifts in Feeding Patterns

• Increased Feeding:
  • Deer begin to increase their feeding activity as they build up fat reserves in preparation for the rut and winter. Bucks, in particular, need extra energy as their body prepares for the physically demanding rut.
  • Food Sources: Acorns, which start to drop in September, become a primary food source, along with other mast crops like fruits and nuts. Agricultural crops such as corn and soybeans are also heavily utilized where available.
• Changing Habits:
  • As food availability changes, deer may adjust their travel routes and feeding areas. They start to move from summer feeding areas (like open fields) to more secluded areas with abundant mast.

2. Antler Shedding and Behavior

• Velvet Shedding:
  • Bucks typically shed the velvet from their antlers in early September, signaling the end of antler growth. The antlers are now fully hardened and are used for sparring with other bucks and for marking territory.
  • Aggressive Behavior: As testosterone levels rise, bucks become more aggressive. They start to spar with each other to establish dominance, although these early sparring matches are usually less intense than those seen later in the rut.

3. Territorial Behavior

• Rub and Scrape Activity:
  • Bucks begin to make rubs on trees, stripping the bark with their antlers to mark their presence and strengthen their neck muscles. These rubs are also a way to deposit scent from glands on their forehead.
  • Scrapes: In late September, bucks may start to create scrapes—patches of bare ground that they clear with their hooves. They urinate over these scrapes to leave their scent, which communicates their presence and reproductive status to does and other bucks.

4. Changes in Movement Patterns

• Increased Movement:
  • As temperatures begin to cool and food availability changes, deer start moving more frequently during daylight hours. Bucks, in particular, expand their range in search of does and to establish their dominance.
  • Travel Corridors: Deer use well-established travel corridors more frequently, particularly those that offer cover between feeding and bedding areas.
• Bedding Habits:
  • Deer may start to shift their bedding areas to more secluded, sheltered locations as they seek safety and comfort in preparation for the rut and changing weather conditions.

5. Social Structure Adjustments

• Buck Behavior:
  • Bachelor groups of bucks, which were common in the summer, begin to break up as the bucks become more territorial and solitary. This marks the beginning of the pre-rut period where bucks start to compete for dominance.
  • Doe Behavior: Does and fawns continue to stay together in family groups. However, as the month progresses and the bucks become more active, does begin to exhibit slight behavioral changes as they prepare for the breeding season.

6. Pre-Rut Indicators

• Increased Testosterone Levels:
  • Rising testosterone levels in bucks drive much of the behavioral changes seen in September, including increased aggression, marking activity, and the beginning of pre-rut behaviors.
• Doe Receptiveness:
  • While does are not yet in estrus (the period when they are receptive to breeding), their hormonal changes begin, and they start to show subtle signs of readiness for the upcoming rut.

7. Human Interaction

• Increased Hunting Pressure:
  • In many regions, hunting seasons for whitetail deer open in September, which can cause changes in deer behavior. Deer may become more nocturnal or shift their movements to avoid areas with heavy human activity.
  • Avoidance of Open Areas: As hunting pressure increases, deer tend to avoid open fields and become more reliant on cover during daylight hours.

Conclusion

September marks a period of transition for white-tailed deer as they prepare for the rut and the changing seasons. Bucks become more territorial and aggressive as their antlers harden, while does and fawns continue to focus on feeding. Deer adjust their movement patterns and feeding habits in response to the availability of fall food sources, and they start to prepare for the challenges of the rut and winter. Understanding these behavioral changes can be crucial for hunters, wildlife managers, and nature enthusiasts as they observe or interact with deer during this time of year.