RE: My new work schedule
I would say still hunting would be your best option early. During late pre rut, rut and early post rut you could try sitting on funnels, travel routes, etc in deep cover quietly or use rattling/calling techniques. I too have found this time the buck are on the move during the 10-2 timeframe and have harvested most of mine 11-1 when rattling techniques have been used. How I have found success is setting up close to bucks bedrooms(not to close but as close as you can get without spooking them). I use a slow, methodical approach, stopping every 50 yards and just listening...once I reach my location I sometime set up scent wicks or just sit down and let the woods settle. Then start rattling, with your timeframe a spot everyday would be perfect...just don' t rattle the same spot time and time again. Post rut the bucks are equally moving during the light of the day (unless unseasonably warm out) and this time can be very productive spent over in cover food sources, such as meadows, slough bottoms, etc. They have been put through the ringer and need to pack on some fat they lost chasing does...by far post rut and food sources account for a lot of success on a yearly basis. I would not sit on open fields, as with rut comes hunting pressure and often deer are feeding under total darkness come this time of year in open areas. Don' t kid yourself they eat lots during the daylight hours, you just need to find the places in which they feel safe. I have seen tons of deer in wooded meadows all day long during this stage of the game. One thing you might consider if legal is baiting such a spot..not sure how you feel or if it is legal but another post rut daytime attractant(especially when food is scarce in the safety zones).
Good Luck