A 2013 Penn State Deer-Forest Study of GPS-collared bucks from November 1 to 10 found some of the highest movement between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., while Mississippi State University research documented strong sunrise and sunset peaks even in the breeding season. Whitetails remain most active on average around dawn and dusk, but midday travel is real and depends on location, rut stage, and the buck. One hunter would choose 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a four-hour sit targeting a mature buck in the seeking phase.