This increased buck movement makes setting up in funnels a solid strategy. The tips of deep erosion cuts that slice up the wooded sides of ridges, saddles in steep ridges and narrow strips of cover separating woodlots can all be good choices. If these funnels separate thickets and or doe bedding areas, they can become great places to intercept roaming bucks at any time of the day.

Thick doe bedding areas are another good choice. In this case, stands set in the heart of the bedding area can really produce. With the hunter often getting pinned down by bedded does, trees providing good cover and wind directions that allow the hunter to remain undetected become more important than the amount of deer sign they see.

Once the chasing begins, the does often circle the bucks through every region of the thicket before they are willing to exit. This results in most any position inside being suitable. However, due to moving targets, ample shooting lanes are necessary to provide a clear shot.

BRINGING ORDER TO THE RUT
Funnels and bedding areas are also good choices once the breeding begins. The best funnels during the chase phase are also the best for during the rut. Mature bucks between does will be covering ground in much the same manner as during the chase.

On the other hand, the setup I prefer for bedding areas now changes. During the chase phase, most any does is a candidate for being chased. That draws in almost every passing buck. That changes during the rut. With so much breeding to be had, mature bucks aren't as interested in chasing unwilling does. Instead of wasting valuable time, focusing on willing females allows the big boy more breeding opportunities.

Their nose now becomes a very valuable asset. One quick skirt of the downwind side of a bedding area is a faster and more effective means of checking the readiness of every doe it holds. If a hot doe is inside, they will smell her. If not, just that quick they are on to the next location.

That makes setting stands around 20 yards downwind of the edge of doe bedding areas the best option. If the stand is set to cover a major entrance and exit route, we up the odds even further. Now, bucks skirting downwind as much as 40 yards -- as well as any using the trail to go in for a closer look or following a hot doe -- are within easy shooting range.

Because bucks cruising these downwind sides already have sex on the brain, they are also particularly susceptible to a good estrus scent. Creating an estrus scent trail or placing scent wicks in shooting lanes provide bucks with the illusion of having found what they are desperately searching for.

CONCLUSION
Though other strategies can and will produce during these three rut phases, I've had the most success by utilizing these stand placements. Once one understands the phases, their timing and what motivates bucks in each, it becomes much easier to gear our tactics to take advantage of each distinctly different phase. In turn, that makes it much easier to transform dreams into reality.

(Editor's note: For a comprehensive guide to cutting-edge stand-hunting methods, check out author Steve Bartylla's new book, Advanced Stand-Hunting Strategies. A full-color personally autographed copy of the book can be purchased by sending a check or money order for $22.50 [tax and shipping included] to Steve Bartylla, 909 N Chestnut Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449. Be sure to include your name and the shipping address.)