Think about it, that buck is going to change his pattern completely during the rut. He might be 5 miles away from where you saw him in October. What are the chances he's still going to be around by the time you decide to hunt him?
And what are the chances someone else could spook him or bag him before you even get to hunt him if you wait until the rut.
I say, stake a claim and hunt that fella with caution.