RE: Rut
I would guess it's happening right now. Check with a local. My advice always stay ready to shoot. They are tough to hit now because they are running all through the woods.
I did get some sound advice from a friend last year and again this year. If you see a doe with a couple bucks pass by out of range, then get down and move over to that trail. Even if you have to ground hunt. Chances are with in a little while more bucks will be passing by that same trail. If you don't move then you will only watch them as well. This happenned to me last year so thats why it's on my mind this year.