With a little proper scouting, you could pattern a deer well prior to the rut! Once the rut hits then it all goes hay-wire(here today & gone tomorrow). I always like to do a bit of non-invasive hunting during Oct. to note habitat changes, food sources, rublines,scrapelines,Etc. I personally don't believe in just jumping in a stand once the rut heats up. That's kinda lazy. I observe/learn something on every outing into the hunting grounds. While the bucks may throw a certain level of caution to the wind during the rut, one must remember that they didn't grow to do be dominant bucks by accident. My view on the topic is: Whenever you can!! Enjoy your hunts!! Try not to focus on killing, but rather on being observant/woodswise! Good Luck Bowhunting Folks! IT'S AWESOME!!!