White-tailed Deer Peak Rut Map

In northern deer ranges, the duration of the rut is short and doesn't vary much from area to area or from year to year. In the southeast, where the timing of the fawning is not as tied to the seasons, deer breeding activity is more variable. However, in no other state does the peak breeding vary as much as it does in Florida; from July in south Florida to February in northwest Florida.

Since 2009, our biologists have been collecting biological data from female white-tailed deer on private and public lands to investigate breeding dates and productivity. The data helps guide management decisions and allows managers to set hunting dates and zonal lines. We will continue to collect breeding chronology data in areas where it's lacking. Maps will be updated as additional information is collected.

For peak rut dates statewide and by zone, visit http://myfwc.com/deer