Eating gets a lot less important in the rut. But Deer got to eat, their diet is generally low nourishment, they make that up in quantity. Especially in the fall when they feel winter is coming.

I've noticed on numerous occasions, the Doe come out to forage and mature Bucks let them run interference for them. The Buck may not break cover until half an hour or longer after the Doe start feeding. And then will often keep a distance, 50 yards or more.

What I'm saying is you see Doe on your game cam. I'd say a fifty fifty chance their is a Buck within fifty yards, a half hour after they show up.

I try to do a scout and mark a path in with tiny pieces of (scentless) toilet paper. The toilet paper also makes it easy to spot subtle wind currents. I follow the toilet paper trail in way early and settle in. Nothing will clear Deer out of an area faster than some big foot crashing brush and making a lot of noise. I try to avoid using Deer trails and make my own.