1) age structure of the local population - Young does breed later than older, mature does.

2) sex ratio - The more does in the herd, the longer the rut period.

3) health of the herd - Deer in prime range and in excellent health breed earlier and with more intensity than animals in marginal areas.

4) genetics - It was found in one experiment that deer transported from to Georgia from Wisconsin bred two months earlier than those in Alabama.

5) latitude - Proximity to the equator seems to play a role. In northern states, the breeding period for deer is more compacted and intense. To the south, it’s more protracted and less feverish.