I just have to say that I find it funny that some on here think that a buck is at his weakest during the rut. Sure, they might be on their feet more during day light, but never at their weakest. In fact, I find it much harder to hunt mature bucks during the rut. I have been bow hunting for 25 years and can count on one hand the number of mature bucks I have taken during the rut. During the rut you have not a clue where he is going to be. He might be on your ground, or 5 miles away. If you have access to the ground (bedding, feeding, & travel routes) and have the time to scout a ton during the off-season, your chances are much higher of connecting when he is on a routine. In fact, I don't think one is eaiser or harder than the other, just very different and require different approaches.