The lockdown phase of the whitetail rut is one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods for hunters. This phase, typically occurring in the middle of the rut, is when mature bucks are most focused on breeding and can be difficult to hunt. However, if you know where to focus your efforts and what to look for, the lockdown phase can offer some incredible opportunities. In this article, we explore how hunting four bucks in three days is possible by targeting the right locations during this critical time.
The key to success during the lockdown phase lies in understanding the bucks’ behavior. During this time, mature bucks tend to become more secluded, spending most of their time in dense bedding areas where they stay near does that are in estrus. They’re less likely to be roaming the open fields or easily visible on trails, which is why hunters need to be strategic about where they set up their stands and blinds.
1. Focus on Bedding Areas: Bucks during the lockdown phase are often bedded close to their chosen doe, making bedding areas one of the best places to find them. These areas, often located in thick brush, downed timber, or secluded ravines, offer the privacy and cover that bucks need. By scouting these areas ahead of time, hunters can find trails leading into and out of the bedding sites. Setting up near these locations can increase the chances of a close encounter with a mature buck.
2. Hunt Funnels and Pinch Points: Even during the lockdown phase, bucks still need to move between bedding and feeding areas, though they’ll do so less frequently. These pinch points and natural funnels, such as narrow trails, creek beds, or low-lying areas, are prime spots for ambushing bucks. If you know where these natural funnels are located on your hunting property, you’ll have a better chance of intercepting bucks as they travel between their core areas.
3. Secluded Food Sources: While bucks may not be as active during the lockdown phase, they still need to feed. Look for food sources that are a bit more isolated, away from the more heavily hunted areas. These could include small secluded food plots or hidden patches of acorns or mast crops. Bucks will often move to these areas late in the day or early in the morning, making them perfect hunting locations for hunters with patience.
4. Observation Stands: Sometimes, it’s best to take a step back and observe. If you’re having trouble locating bucks, setting up an observation stand in a higher area with a broad view of the landscape can help you pinpoint deer movement. Once you’ve identified where the bucks are concentrating, you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
By focusing on bedding areas, pinch points, and secluded food sources, and using observation stands, hunters can successfully navigate the challenges of the lockdown phase. These strategies helped one hunter harvest four bucks in just three days, proving that with the right approach and a deep understanding of deer behavior, success is still possible even during this tough time of the rut.
