I did a paper on this very subject before I graduated college. I personally did no research , but gathered information from several other biologists. A copy of my work can be seen at the UA Library. PM me, if you're interested.

I had the same assumption as the person who started this thread. When one of my professors mentioned in passing that the big bucks start before the immature deer, I was confused and started looking into it. That was the inspiration for my thesis.

Put a game camera at a well known scent tree in your area next year in early Sept. That will prove it to you better than any paper. You'll see mature bucks and does using it about 2-3 weeks before MOST immature deer do.