Last week was a kick-ass week to hunt, and many good bucks were tagged across the nation. Now, on November 13, I’m getting reports from all over the East and Midwest about the woods and fields going quiet as the “lockdown” or breeding phase of the rut is happening. Well, here’s a simple, positive and effective strategy for the next few days.–MH

“Lockdown” is the mini-phase when older bucks hook up with the older does to breed, and they all seem to go underground for three or four days. To punch your tag, I believe your best chances the next few days are in the morning. Head for your best stand or blind deep in the timber and hunt there through noon. Ideally you’ll have a commanding view of several thickets on ridges and in draws, ditches and/or creek drainages. A doe might pop out of a cover; an 8- or 10-pointer might bust out and herd her back in. Subdominant bucks will sneak around the thickets, hoping to get in on some of the action. Or you might spot a toad 9-pointer skulking from one cover to the next; he just bred one gal is trolling for another. Hunt long and hard and you’ll see a shooter.