Alabama · Whitetail rut

Whitetail rut dates in Alabama.

Alabama has one of the latest and most variable ruts in the country — some zones peak in November, others not until late January.

Nov 11 – Nov 20 → Jan 18 – Jan 31 · Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Alabama's rut is famously late and variable. Northern Alabama follows a more typical Mid-South window with a November peak, but central and southern zones run dramatically later, with some southern counties not seeing peak breeding until late January. The variation traces to the state's restoration history — Alabama imported deer from many sources during recovery, and the resulting genetic mosaic shows up clearly in conception timing.

Zone

Northern Alabama

Pre-rut
Oct 28 – Nov 10
Peak breeding
Nov 11 – Nov 20
Post-rut
Nov 21 – Dec 4
Late rut
Dec 9 – Dec 22

Zone

Central Alabama

Pre-rut
Dec 25 – Jan 5
Peak breeding
Jan 6 – Jan 18
Post-rut
Jan 19 – Jan 31
Late rut
Feb 5 – Feb 15

Zone

Southern Alabama

Pre-rut
Jan 5 – Jan 17
Peak breeding
Jan 18 – Jan 31
Post-rut
Feb 1 – Feb 13
Late rut
Feb 18 – Feb 28

Source

Data sourced from Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division (ADCNR) fetal-rate analysis published by the state's deer-program biologists.

Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

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