Rut in Edwards County

[cgturner7]

I have been looking at the solar/lunar tables and trying to plan this seasons hunts.  I hunt in Edwards County and we seem to have peak rut around Dec 15 most years.  My question is does the full moon or new moon determine rut timing?  If it's new moon then the rut will happen two weeks earlier this year (Dec 1).  If it's full moon then my Dec. 15 rule will have perfect timing.

[PEPAW]

I am surprised your peak season is that late in Edwards Co.    I would have guessed closer to Dec. 1.    I have only hunted there one season though.

Here is what TX parks and wildlife says:

Edwards Plateau
Conception dates for this region ranged from as early as October 9 to a late date of January 30. The Edwards Plateau, Texas' highest deer production region, was divided into three areas for the study. The eastern part had a peak breeding date of November 7. Peak breeding for the central portion was November 24, and the western area had a peak date of December 5. An average of 90 percent of the does were bred and the average number of fetuses found was 1.3 per doe. The majority (90%) of the fawns are born by June 14 in the eastern area, June 26 in the central area, and by July 13 in the western area.
Breeding Chart

Good luck.    I would try and kill my buck before he gets goofy and changes his patterns!

pepaw

[cgturner7]

Thanks, pepaw.  I used to think that was a little late for the rut as well.  But the "old timers" on the lease have it pretty much nailed down.  They all say sometime in the second week of Dec.  Last year I studied the TPWD aritcle you sited and thought I would be sneaky by going a week before everyone else.  I thought the scientists must have the inside track.  No unusual movement and didn't see any bucks chasing does until the day I had to leave (of course).  Our lease is on the far west side of Edwards, very close to Hwy 277.  Actually, it's almost Val Verde Co.  I do have some good looking spots scouted along rub lines that I found this spring.  I hope to shoot the big one before he gets stupid.  Besides, I hate sitting at feeders.  Thanks for the info.