The Va rut usually get into the breeding swing around second week of nov. the first week is when the scrapes usually start appering im my experience, though the rut timing has alot to do with your climate.
The intensity of the rut in your area will have alot to do with temperature, hunting pressure and buck/doe ratio. To name a few variables. I like to hunt the rut in a steady drizzling rain. Paradise! It's a killer time to just creep thru the woods stalking deer.