Early Rubs (FTPO)
One question I’m often asked by other hunters is how early in the fall do bucks establish rub lines? The short answer to that question is that bucks begin establishing their rub lines from the first second after they’ve finished the velvet shedding process. But let’s delve into this subject a bit further.
In a chapter from my third book, “Rub Line Secrets”, I wrote that it’s understandable why some hunters haven’t increased their knowledge about early rub behavior. Simply put, by the time archery season opens in many parts of the country the local whitetails are already into their early pre-rut behavior patterns. So there’s really no need to become “literate” about early rub behavior.
I must admit that up until the early 1990′s my own depth of knowledge regarding early rub behavior was extremely limited. But after a few years of bowhunting for trophy whitetails in late August and early September, my wealth of knowledge on early rub behavior increased dramatically. And man has that increase in knowledge paid off!!
The first and most significant thing I learned was that big whitetail bucks are just as likely to be traveling along established rub lines at this time of year as at any other time. However, at the very same time I discovered that there’s no time during the year when it can be so tough to find and follow rub lines.
There are two reasons for this. First of all, bucks have only recently completed the velvet shedding process. So they haven’t had much time to make fresh rubs. And second, the dense foliage of the early season period can make it tough to find and follow the few rubs they have laid out. But trust me, there are rubs out there!
Here’s the gauge I use when hunting along early rub lines. I’ll initially set up 75 to 100 yards from where bucks are feeding or watering. If my first couple hunts don’t produce any big buck sightings, I’ll move back away from the food or water even further. I’ll keep doing this until I either start seeing some activity or I feel I’m getting close to where a big buck is bedding.
Hunting along early rub lines will always be a tough deal. But I still consider the tactic among the most effective for taking mature bucks. Therefore, any effort you put into locating and scouting early rub lines is energy well spent. And when you taste that first bit of early season success, the rewards will be just that much sweeter.
Remember, hunt hard, but always hunt safe!
