Scot,

A lot of what you've reported here is exactly what I am hearing and witnessing this season here in Northern Idaho. I've heard many hunters talk about the low #s of big bucks moving during daylight hours and or... just a lack of mature bucks period. I think what you guys have discussed above is right on....that its a combination of several variables. The weather in second half of NOV, a tough winter last year nocking down the #s over all etc. I've have hunted my arse off so far this year, compiling as much time as I have ever put into the woods here in Northern Idaho. I passed on 5 different 3.5 year old bucks that would have been chip shots for the rifle and 3 others that while bowhunting so far that were chip shots. Anc I can not count how many young bucks I have seen time and time again..so thats a positive...

So far this season for me personally..I have found and killed 1 good mature 4.5 or 5.5 year old buck. He was with a doe on Nov 23...I have a history with this buck so I know his age approximately. After I killed him his teeth definately indicate it.

As for the season right now, Mature bucks are just "STARTING" to come out of their nocturnal patterns and show up a little before dark in doe family group hangouts. I watched 4 bucks last night while out scouting for late archery season, one of which was a stud 5x5. They were all on a doe...I also jumped a big buck I have history with/trail cams etc...Sat ... I was glad to finally see him alive and well. Not glad that I jumped him but its good to know hes right where he always seems to like hanging out up on big ridgeline..

Our does are still coming into estrus, this years rutdue to whatever outside factors is very LATE.. Ibelieve the rutting will continue well into next week.. just in time for late archery.