I have to agree and disagree with ya Germ. I hunt Jackson Co. on private land that has been in a voluntary QDM for well over 15 years. I have seen and shot videos of mature bucks chasing all the way back to Oct. 6th. I am also hunting a small ridge just off the Grand River and the bucks seem to be using this as there route to and from bedding areas.

I am seeing young bucks as well but, this is due to the QDM. As of last Monday morning I do not believe the does were in heat full swing, sparatic at best. I think this is going to be the week where grunting and all day sits will pay off.

IMO if there are only a few does ready to come into heat well, the bucks will not leave them alone but, you get a higher number in heat well, they are gonna be running all over and at all times.

I disagree though that the taking of more does will change their behavior much. They will still tag the ones coming into early estrous and then go seeking when the scents fill the air.

I did do my part on taking a large doe out a couple weeks ago but, I also have mixed feelings on that. The doe I shot travels a run right by my stand every day. I may have shot myself in the foot by taking her before the rut and having the big boy come cruising after her. Time will tell.

I will be out there from Saturday until the 14th, all day every day on three different stand locations and hopefully can connect on the 17 or 12 pts that I filmed just a couple weeks ago.

Good luck Germ and everyone else, Gun season is sneaking in on us so, hunt hard, shoot straight and give thanks to God for the hunts we can enjoy.....................