The Year-Round Hunter In November: November Deer Hunting (How to Tag Out)

What does this mean for hunters across the country, and why is it such an important month? We're almost finished with our Year-Round Hunter series! Today, let's take a closer look at what makes November deer hunting special.

Is November Good for Hunting?

By November, all states have opened up their deer season to hunters. Your state might include a gun season during this time, and many states (including Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas) align their archery seasons with this month as well. 

If you have not harvested a buck this season, November could offer some of the best hunting you'll experience all year!

What Animals Are Hunted in November?

In addition to deer, waterfowl, upland birds (pheasants and quail), small game (rabbits and squirrels), and varmints and predators (raccoons, coyotes, and bobcats) are often hunted in November. When determining what to hunt in November, check your state regulations and season dates to verify your local, legal means of harvest. 

Antlerless deer (or deer with antlers of less than three inches) are also often in season in November. When asking yourself, "What is an antlerless deer?", consult your state's department of natural resources to ensure you're hunting legal game.

How to Hunt Deer in November

November brings about an exciting time frame in the whitetail deer woods. Three significant events take place during this month, and all can be extremely fun and bring huge rewards.

During the first five to seven days of the month, bucks are active in the pre-rut stage of the season. This is a great opportunity to observe deer movement and use calling techniques, such as rattling and grunting, to bring bucks into range.

Early in the month, bucks are scent-checking trails, looking for the first does in estrus, sparring and fighting to establish dominance, and scraping and scent-marking to alert other deer to their presence.

Next, the full-rut phase of the season begins, and the majority of does will be in estrus and ready to breed. Bucks will be looking for the next available doe in the area as they scent-check trails, food plots, or ag fields. During this time, use decoys and calls to draw an aggressive buck into range for an easy shot.

Finally, near the end of the month, most rutting activity will have come to an end; bucks will be tired, and most does will have finished estrus. This is a good time to shift your focus back to bedding and feeding locations.

What Are the Best Days for November Deer Hunting?

You'll have opportunities to hunt throughout the month, beginning with early November, when you can practice calling tactics as bucks begin to chase does.

Peak rut season occurs in mid-November. After this window, you can expect to see the action start to slow down, but not entirely disappear. Fewer does will be in estrus, though bucks will continue to seek them out.

In late November, identify travel routes to and from food sources, as deer will begin to prepare for winter before it hits in full force. Keep in mind that deer movement can occur after rain and snow. During this time, weekdays might also offer better hunting opportunities than busy weekends.

However, to truly pinpoint the best days for hunting in November (or any time of year), use HuntWise. The HuntCast feature gives you real-time animal movement information to dial in the best days and times to hunt. Then, in November, use the RutCast feature to be in the field for the ideal times to hunt the rut. 

What Should Hunters Be Doing in November?

In November, you'll notice colder weather in the early mornings and evenings, with milder temperatures midday. Layer your clothes accordingly. You can always take a layer off as temperatures rise, but you might not make it very long into your sit if you don't start the day with enough layers.

This time of year can be a great opportunity for late morning and midafternoon activity, so think about the possibility of all-day sits. Consider your stand or blind locations: not every setup is ideal for an all-day sit. You may only be able to hunt the first part of the day in one location before moving to an evening spot.

To make these decisions, learn the food and water sources in your area, as well as how the deer are accessing them. 

Remember, November can (and sometimes does) bring unpredictable weather. If it's warm, you'll need to clean and cool your deer quickly to prevent the meat from spoiling.

Make HuntWise Part of Your November Hunting Guide  

Whether you use a bow or a gun, maintaining your skills and continuing to shoot during the season will keep you better prepared for November deer hunting. The HuntWise app can also help you gain the insights to make this season's hunt a success.

No matter what game you chase during the fall, have fun, stay safe, and stay in tune with your gear. You never know when that trophy of a lifetime may come walking by!

If you don't have HuntWise yet, you won't want to head out for November deer hunting without it! 
Download it and explore the map layers and pins (always free), RutCast, HuntCast, and more. 
You can plan your hunt for free during your first week using the app! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about November deer hunting!