Rut phase dates by species and region for the 2026 season. Dates are typical windows based on latitude and historical patterns. Weather and pressure shift them year to year.
Broken out by region. Timing differs by several days across the state, so check yours below.
| Region | Pre-Rut | Seeking | Peak Rut | Post-Rut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (Whitetail) | Oct 28 – Nov 8 | Nov 8 – Nov 15 | Nov 15 – Nov 25 | Nov 25 – Dec 5 |
| Eastern Plains | Oct 25 – Nov 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 12 | Nov 12 – Nov 22 | Nov 22 – Dec 3 |
Statewide timing.
| Region | Pre-Rut | Seeking | Peak Rut | Post-Rut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn | Oct 15 – Nov 1 | Nov 1 – Nov 12 | Nov 12 – Nov 25 | Nov 25 – Dec 12 |
Statewide timing.
| Region | Pre-Rut | Bugling | Post-Rut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Aug 22 – Sep 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 22 | Sep 22 – Oct 8 |
Statewide timing.
| Region | Pre-Rut | Seeking | Peak Rut | Post-Rut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Park / NW CO | Sep 12 – Sep 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 | Oct 22 – Nov 5 |
Broken out by region. Timing differs by several days across the state, so check yours below.
| Region | Pre-Rut | Seeking | Peak Rut | Post-Rut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern CO | Nov 5 – Nov 16 | Nov 16 – Nov 24 | Nov 24 – Dec 5 | Dec 5 – Dec 18 |
| Southern CO | Nov 8 – Nov 20 | Nov 20 – Nov 28 | Nov 28 – Dec 8 | Dec 8 – Dec 20 |
Statewide timing.
| Region | Pre-Rut | Seeking | Peak Rut | Post-Rut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Plains/SE | Aug 25 – Sep 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 18 | Sep 18 – Sep 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
Statewide timing.
| Region | Peak Strut |
|---|---|
| Statewide | Apr 15 – May 15 |