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Thursday, October 22nd, 2026

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Pre-rut realities: How to take a buck before the big show begins

Most deer hunters view the rut as the best time to arrow a big buck, but the pre-rut can be just as good if you know where to hunt. (Contributed photos)

Most hunters dream of the whitetail rut, and for good reason. It’s the great leveling agent where anyone and everyone has a chance at a giant. There’s also the promise of all-day activity to get you out there.
It’s also true that because everyone loves the rut, most hunters devote their time to it. Bowhunters do, of course, but that’s also when the firearms season opens here in Minnesota. The crowding can mitigate some of the benefits of the rut, but that’s one of the reasons to love the back half of October.

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