Everyone you ask has a different opinion.
To me the rut is
1. Pre rut- making scrapes and checking scrapes for hot does . ( Cruising phase)

2. Bucks are locked up with a hot doe waiting for her to come into estrous.( chasing phase)

3. Post rut- bucks are checking scrapes and looking for another hot doe, maybe 2nd estrous. (Cruising phase again)

All are good times to be in the woods and up our chances of catching a buck in daylight hours, not pay attention to what is going on around him.

As far as scents go, same thing, lots of opinions. I have only used Buck Bomb with success. Meaning I killed a deer while using it. Did it help bring the deer in? I will never know, just know it did not hurt.
My concern is whats in the can or bottle? Is it 1 doe or multiple? Is it real doe urine or a chemical? Is it proghorn, sheep, goat, mule deer, Kansas or Canada.... Is it new or old.
With out knowing for 100% sure what you are using, it is trial and error.

For me it is more to help hide my scent.