definitely depends on the area. Our rut in parts of Louisiana dont get going until early to mid-January. Ive read it has a lot to do with river stages. deer down here in certain part of the state cant drop fawns in May/June because of high water. Deer in the western half of the state (further from the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya Basin) rut a lot earlier in the year though. They dont have to worry about dropping fawns in flood water.