I have this discussion every year with my processor. In the south, the "peak" is so gradual that it is hardly noticed. The chasing starts in September and some does won't "stand" until December. If you look at the yearlings each year, there is your evidence, If we had a real peak, then all the yearlings would be the same age the following year. But instead, we have button heads, spikes, and some with spots still the next September. All because they were bred and born at different times theprevious season. I shot an 8 pt last year in Sept. that had the strongest tarsal glandsI have ever smelled.And again in December I shot another 8 pt that had his tarsal glands all festered up. If had to guess at what week held the highest ratio of does in heat, I'd say the week before Thanksgiving. That has been my most successfull week every year since I started deer hunting. Seems the big bucks finally move during the daylight hours when November rolls around.