A lot of times the older bucks wait until later in the rut, after most of the 3 1/2s and 4 1/2s are worn and frazzled, then they come out for the easy pickings. I've seen some of the largest bucks from Nov. 25 through Dec. 15th (second rut) and then again around Jan. 4th (third rut, doe fawns). These guys are 5 1/2+.