That' s very interesting. I have noticed that the rut falls on about the same general time each year, but some years it is more intense than others. I wonder if indeed food plays a part. If deer are well fed, they have a lot of energy. Conversely, if they haven' t eaten well due to poor mast or drought or some other reason, they may not have as much energy to burn running around all the time and may be inclined to conserve it by exhibiting less chasing and seeking behavior.