The rut in Iowa is a magical time, full of action, excitement, and the kind of hunting that most only dream of. This year, the rut brought an unforgettable experience—one of the most intense and crazy hunts I’ve ever been a part of. It all started with a massive Iowa buck in full rut, and what followed was a series of events that took my heart racing to the base of the tree.
The hunt began early in the season when I scouted the area, knowing that the rut was about to kick into full swing. I had been following a giant buck for weeks—a monster with heavy antlers and a demeanor that screamed dominance. His movements were erratic, though, thanks to the chaotic energy of the rut, making it harder to predict his patterns. But as experienced hunters know, the rut is full of surprises, and the best strategy is to be in the right place at the right time.
On that morning, the conditions were perfect. A light breeze, overcast skies, and the unmistakable smell of fresh deer tracks in the air set the stage for what would become a thrilling encounter. I set up near a thick bedding area, knowing bucks would be chasing does and passing through the area. The first signs of movement came quietly—a few doe wandering through, with no sign of the buck yet. But I was patient. I knew he was out there.
Then, the action kicked into high gear. Using rattling antlers, I began mimicking the sounds of two bucks fighting. The moment the first few grunts echoed through the woods, it was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, I heard a crash from the brush behind me. Turning cautiously, I caught my first glimpse of him—the giant buck. His massive antlers barely fit through the trees, and his presence was enough to send any hunter’s heart into overdrive.
But the real crazy part was yet to come. As I continued rattling, the buck charged right toward me, coming in fast and hard. He was focused on the sound of a rival buck, and before I knew it, he was at the base of my tree, only a few yards away. The adrenaline was through the roof, but I remained calm, slowly drawing my bow. When he turned broadside, I released the arrow.
The shot landed perfectly, and the buck bolted into the woods. After a short, tense wait, I found him—our giant Iowa buck. This hunt, filled with rattling action and pure adrenaline, reminded me of why we love hunting during the rut. It’s chaotic, it’s intense, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
