I just did a google and found all sorts of things that you could read to get your mind going and to think about. Like this one. I know it's a couple years old, but you can probably find a more current one if you browse a little. This gives a region by region overview. you can also check big buck kill records to see where they're coming from etc.

http://www.missourigameandfish.com/hunting/whitetail-deer-hunting/mo_aa113104a/

http://missouriwhitetails.com/


You might also pick some good info off the websites of outfitters like this one that advertises here on HNI. I know you said NE.. they're North Central. I found it interesting that they charge for the "RUT" hunt from Oct 20-Nov 20th. LOL I guess they put PreRut, Rut all in one.

http://www.imbmonsterbucks.com/missouri-deer.htm