Late is a relative term. I truly think the moon is a major component in syncing the rut. Weather and climate are significant players also. Here in the northeast it has been warm, and the rutting moon is this week as previously mentioned.

Last year at this time the seeking phase had already begun and had merged into the chasing phase. I hunted tonight and noticed no rut activity. There has been some already but just spurts. When I drive at night and see bucks on the move crossing roads I know it's on. I ain't seeing it, yet. Not everywhere anyway.

I think for the northeast it will really kick in this week andthe week afterwill be intense. We need the cool weahther though if we wanna see this during the daytime. imo