RE: Questions about the Rut
A rule of thumb that I discovered back in the '60's is the peak of the rut seems to coincide with the 2nd new moon after the fall solistice, at least for the 'dacks. It also seems that this time of year a big buck is more apt, IMHO, to rely on two of his senses simultaneously { excluding smell } to bolt from danger, rather than just sight OR sound.
As I state, strictly my opinion.