RE: October's Mini-Rut!!??
The earliest I have ever witnessed a doe in heat was oct. 27th (she wasn't ready to stand yet but was being heavily pursued by 2 bucks) This was in central Wis. The latest was during muzzleloader season. I don't know the exact date but it was in very early Dec. in northern Wis.
I don't know how this relates but every year in northern wis on oct. 26th (give or take 1 day) the bucks go nuts and tear up scrapes everywhere. Until then I see very few scrapes. Any guesses as to why this happens?