I think Alsheimer is very astute about whitetails but the one thing I disagree with him on is what triggers rut timing. Photoperiodism and moon cycles may trigger it in a general sense but I am certain weather of September and October is a defining factor for triggering the 'peak' of the chase/seek phase. I know it can swing the 'peak' a few days one way or the other.

Last Oct was very warm and dry and as a result the 'peak' of the chase/seek phase was slightly later last year than the previous 2 year. Locally, it peaked around Nov 3-6th. Deer movement & sign (rubs and scrapes) were less through September and October. The two years before that had peaks occuring through Oct 29-Nov 2.