RE: Stage of Midwest rut.....
Still not much in Western SD. I have a pretty good gauge. We have about 20 does that come out around our parking lot every day. They start showing up about 3:00pm. Have yet to see a buck anywhere around. Now dark when I leave work and still yet to see a buck with or around them even after dark.
They come and graze around the buildings after everyone leaves work. I'm a veterinarian so I come back often at all hours of the night and I always see the does but no bucks yet no matter the time.