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When Is the Rut in Southern Maine?

Maine rut phase dates for the 2026 season. Southern Maine is one of 2 distinct rut zones in Maine — timing here runs on its own schedule.

Short answer: peak rut in Southern Maine typically runs Nov 14 to Nov 24.
Compared with the rest of Maine: peak rut in Southern Maine runs about 4 days earlier than Northern Maine.

Southern Maine Rut Phases

Region Pre-Rut Seeking Peak Rut Post-Rut
Southern Maine Oct 27 – Nov 8 Nov 8 – Nov 14 Nov 14 – Nov 24 Nov 24 – Dec 4

Every Rut Zone in Maine

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

Region Pre-Rut Seeking Peak Rut Post-Rut
Southern Maine ← you are here Oct 27 – Nov 8 Nov 8 – Nov 14 Nov 14 – Nov 24 Nov 24 – Dec 4
Northern Maine Nov 1 – Nov 12 Nov 12 – Nov 18 Nov 18 – Nov 28 Nov 28 – Dec 8
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 Maine rut dates

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Maine rut overviewMaine season dates 2026–27Taxidermists in MainePlan a hunt in Maine