I have been putting in a pile of hours this year. I can tell you the Rut is not much of one this year for me.

Here is my theory.

We have not been shooting enough mature does in my area. I watch Mr. Mass a 3.5 or 4.5 8 point tend a doe on Oct 13th. He stayed with her every step, she moved he moved. I have not seen him alone since.
I think we did not have the big build up to the rut this year. Does have been coming into heat on a steady bases since mid oct. This has lead to these factors.

1/2 the scrapes I usely see
1/2 the rubs
I have not seen 1 mature buck crusing or chasing.

You add MI lack of Mature bucks and everyone is happy So I have been learning a ton and I love this challenge.

I also have no acorns, and a giant wheat field that is tough to hunt.

So my plan is to move in right on top of the deer these next 6 days. I am going to hunt right on top of their bedding areas.

Man is this fun