I know there is some debate about the October lull. Well I was out in west/central Maryland (Damascus Area) and saw a buck at about 2pm-230pm. Very decent buck. In fact, a buck that I've seen out there before. Do you think he was out and active because of the cold snap we've had here or do you think the rut is closer than I thought. I was thinking the rut was going to be beginning of Nov or so. Anyone know when the rut should be for this area?

Of course I spooked him cause even though I was staring right at him I never actually saw him. It was windy and everything was moving so I waited for a windy spell before I moved so the wind would mask my leaf crunching. I had been standing in the same spot for 15-20min just looking around and when the wind picked up I took a step and he was gone. [:@]

Hope he'll be back. But I am more intrigued/confused that I saw him during midday hours anyway. What do you think?