Just for discussion purposes if photoperiodism is the main factor in deciding the seaking, chasing and peak phases of the rut why then would they not be the exact same dates from year to year. The only dates that do change even if only by a few days from year to year are the dates of the harvest and rutting moon. Rack I do agree there are other factors that can add to a deminished rut. Weather. who wants to run around during mid day during unseasonably warm weather with thier winter coat on when you can do it in the cool of the night. Buck to doe ratio out of wack. Who needs to run around. Like the old bull said "lets walk down there and $%^& em all. Hunter pressure. Force them to stay in the thick (go where no man will or cant without being detected) or wait till an hour after dark. I want to learn. That is why I will never stop asking questions or trying to find answers for the reasons those animals do what they do. Alsheimer has raised an intresting point. I just dont want to say to myself he's full of $^&% and not believe a word he writes and find out 3 years from now he has data to back up every word he wrote. The one thing I know for sure is the more I read about the deer we hunt is there are no givens. Except right place right time. I know guys me included that are at this all year. Then I know guys that show up and shoot a big one. Right place right time.