I can add my personal observations for NE Iowa.

1) I agree with those that said there was little 'build up' Nov 2, 3, & 4 were the kick off for most of the big ones to come out cruising and chasing. That is a wee bit later than the previous 2 years which centered around Nov 1, locally. Before that, those I know, and myself, were having very little activity of any kind. It was as if the so called 'lull' extended an extra week.

2) I can testify (any other IA hunters agree with me??) that the dramatic doe reduction in the last 3 seasons has done LOADS for the rut in NE Iowa. Locally, the ratio is approaching 1:1 and I beleive it is well under 1:2. I see less deer but the rut activity has increased 2X. Bowhunters I know back home have been into bucks all week.

I do beleive that getting ratios in line does much for rut activity....and of course there are always other factors.