I haven't been up in a couple of weeks now but the majority of the time the last few years the rut hasn't really kicked in until after Thanksgiving. I do know that as of 3 weeks ago they where still in bachalor groups. The 10pt in the first pic I took last year the weekend before Christmas. The 2 eight points I killed this year on Oct 17. There where 6 bucks walking together and lots of rubs around but little scraping or sparring. Try the travel routes between bedding cover. I have had my best sucess in areas with the least amount of sign, a rub here or there. A big track etc. Usually these areas are on the edge of high traffic areas. Good luck and hang in You'll pattern them out soon enough.