Southeast Hunting Forecast December 1 to 7 Insights from John Bedsole

As December arrives, deer hunters across the Southeast are closely watching the rut unfold. This week’s forecast reveals a patchwork of deer activity, with some states showing intense rut action while others remain quieter. John Bedsole of Bedsole Outdoor Adventures LLC shares insights from biologists, land managers, and hunters to help you plan your hunts from December 1 to December 7.

Mature buck near oak trees during early December rut

Deer Behavior Across the Southeast

The rut is progressing unevenly across the region. Kentucky’s deer movement has slowed, while Tennessee is experiencing fast-paced rut activity. Hunters report a mix of locked-down bucks and bachelor groups still together, making it essential to understand local patterns before heading out.

Kentucky’s Slower Rut Movement

Michael Pendley, editor of Timber 2 Table, notes a significant slowdown in Kentucky. His trail cameras captured only one buck in the past week. Despite this, a recent hunt proved promising when his son, nicknamed “Potroast,” encountered a mature buck chasing a doe too fast for a shot. Moments later, he successfully harvested a 150-inch 10-point buck trailing the doe. This buck was also caught on a camera nearly two miles away by a relative, confirming its range and activity.

Pendley’s group still sees younger bucks moving during the day. Some of these bucks show signs of sparring, with broken points and main beams, indicating ongoing dominance battles. This suggests Kentucky’s rut is in a slower phase but still holds potential for patient hunters.

Tennessee’s Fast-Paced Rut Action

In contrast, Tennessee hunters report rapid rut activity. Bucks are locking down on does, and chasing behavior is common. This creates opportunities for hunters who can position themselves near active scrapes and rubs. John Bedsole advises focusing on areas with fresh rubs and scrapes, as bucks are marking territory and competing for does.

Alabama’s Bachelor Groups and Food Sources

Bert Moore’s camera surveys in south-central Alabama show bucks still in bachelor groups, shedding velvet but not yet fully engaged in rut fights. Moore reports no significant fighting, only occasional sparring near feeders. Scrapes have not appeared yet, but velvet rubs are visible.

Food availability plays a key role in deer movement here. Persimmons are dropping, and deer feed on them along with natural browse. White oaks, red oaks, water oaks, and swamp overcup oaks are loaded with acorns thanks to a wet spring and early summer. This abundance of food keeps deer spread out and less focused on rut activity for now.

Weather Impact on Hunting This Week

Weather conditions from December 1 to 7 will influence deer behavior and hunting success. John Bedsole highlights the following trends for the Southeast:

• Cool mornings and mild afternoons encourage deer to move during daylight hours, especially near food sources.

• Rain chances midweek may push deer to bed down early, reducing midday activity.

• Clear, cold nights will increase daytime movement as deer recover energy.

  
  

Hunters should plan for early morning and late afternoon stands, focusing on edges of food plots, oak flats, and areas with fresh rubs and scrapes.

Practical Tips for Hunters This Week

John Bedsole recommends these strategies based on current deer behavior and weather:

• Scout for fresh rubs and scrapes to locate active bucks, especially in Tennessee where rut activity is intense.

• Use trail cameras to monitor buck movement and identify bachelor groups versus rutting bucks.

• Focus on food sources like persimmons and acorns in Alabama to find feeding deer.

• Be patient in Kentucky, where rut movement is slower but mature bucks are still active.

• Adjust hunting times to match cooler mornings and evenings when deer are most active.

• Stay mobile and flexible, as deer patterns can change quickly during the rut.

  
  

What to Expect in the Coming Week

The Southeast’s deer rut will continue to develop unevenly. Kentucky hunters may see a spike in activity if a hot doe triggers chasing behavior. Tennessee will likely maintain fast-paced rut action, offering chances for hunters who can read sign and stay alert. Alabama’s deer remain more dispersed but will shift focus as food sources dwindle and rut hormones rise.

John Bedsole encourages hunters to keep detailed notes on deer behavior and weather conditions. This information will help predict when and where bucks will move next.