Early...seeing that amount of bucks is about averadge. I have had some years where the bucks were like gophers all over the place, and others when I hardly saw one. It's very hit & miss and that's even harder when you are on a tight schedule as yourself. I think you are doing the right thing by doing as your guide is reccomending. He obviously has a good idea of the area and when it should produce the best. Weather does play a big part though (I don't care what anyone says) so depending on our winter, anything can happen.

I'll give you a tip though since you will be in a stand in the heart of Nov. with your bow. Go out and buy a hand warmer (the kind that wraps around your waist) and a ton ofhot packs. Wear very light gloves and this will keep your hands& body toasty all day long, guaranteed! This is a good way to stay on stand allweek long especially when the weather isn't co-operating. I can bet you'll thank me when you get back, my buddies can't believe I can stay still for hours but that method has worked wonders for me. Good luck and keep us posted on your trip!