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When Is the Rut in South Louisiana?

Louisiana rut phase dates for the 2026 season. South Louisiana is one of 3 distinct rut zones in Louisiana — timing here runs on its own schedule.

Short answer: peak rut in South Louisiana typically runs Oct 25 to Nov 8.
Compared with the rest of Louisiana: peak rut in South Louisiana runs about 21 days earlier than North Louisiana.

South Louisiana Rut Phases

Region Pre-Rut Seeking Peak Rut Post-Rut
South Louisiana Sep 25 – Oct 12 Oct 12 – Oct 25 Oct 25 – Nov 8 Nov 8 – Nov 25

Every Rut Zone in Louisiana

Hunting a different part of the state? Peak dates shift.

Region Pre-Rut Seeking Peak Rut Post-Rut
South Louisiana ← you are here Sep 25 – Oct 12 Oct 12 – Oct 25 Oct 25 – Nov 8 Nov 8 – Nov 25
Central Louisiana Oct 5 – Oct 22 Oct 22 – Nov 3 Nov 3 – Nov 15 Nov 15 – Dec 1
North Louisiana Oct 20 – Nov 5 Nov 5 – Nov 15 Nov 15 – Nov 28 Nov 28 – Dec 10
How to use these dates. Rut timing is driven mainly by photoperiod, so these windows hold up well year to year. What moves is visible daylight activity — cold fronts, wind, and hunting pressure shift when deer move inside the window. Use the dates to pick your week, then the daily forecast to pick your morning. Always verify seasons with your state agency.
Check today's hunting conditions → All Louisiana rut dates

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