Pre rut......

It just increases your chances. I like to sit in funnels during the pre-rut or areas where there are does. The bucks do alot of searching or chasing and let there gaurd down. During the full rut they are held up with the does and don't move alot.

If you have alot of open area though the main rut and be a good time to scope some out that have brought there doe into the open fense lines to keep them away from competition. Then do your spot and stalk, it's how I shot my biggest.