Antelope Rut???

[Traxion]

I am planning on hunting the SD archery antelope season this year, which starts Aug. 16. About when can I expect the rut to start?? I have always thought Sept. 1 was close, but some people have told me earlier. Are decoys very successful before or after the rut? Thanks

Eric

 

[GJbuckhunter]

I have seen them herded up 3rd week in August in Wyoming and eastern Utah.

 

[kicker]

Sept. 10th decoy's unstoppable!

 

[Blueticker]

You can go out in June and see groups of does with one buck, but it's nothing like the rut. Antelope will herd up early but they don't go into a true rut until about the 3rd week of Sept. By the end of Sept./Oct. 1st they are full in rut. Some of the small bucks will start earlier (same as whitetail).
I'm speaking only of Wyoming as I've never hunted them in the southern states nor Canada. I imagine Montana would be the same as WY.