Deer Rut Increases Harvest Totals, Elk Harvest Still Down

The deer rut has kicked in pushing this year's hunting harvest of mule and white tail deer even further above the results from 2011 season. So far the white tail harvest is up 12% while 3% more mule deer were taken this year compared to last.

Although the rut may be good for hunters it could have dire consequences for motorists. "The deer aren't just lest cautious around hunters, they're more sporadic around the highways as well," says Fish Wildlife and Parks Spokeswoman Vivica Crowser.

With only a few days left in general rifle hunting season, it does not appear that elk harvests will get back to where numbers. The season ends on Sunday, November 25 while the rut will continue into December.