Personally, I will take the pre-rut seeking/chasing phase over the full blown rut anyday! When those big boys are holed up with hot doe, it can get pretty slow out in the woods. I think you made a great choice in the days you picked. Although I would pick Nov 1st-20th next time if I were you. lol And had a boat load of vacation time. Your bound to hit it just right within 20 days of hunting.