RE: An early rut this year?
 

The rut means little to me as far as peak. If the bucks are active and gearing up, that is all I need to hear. If bucks are making a fuss for nothing so what? As long as they are out and moving around I will be a happy tree camper. We saw rubs earlier this year than any year in memory, Mid- August! Something is definetly strange...but I like It!

RE: An early rut this year?
 

Personally,i think if a buck finds a doe in estrous in july,he's going to breed her.A buck is in rut from the time his antlers harden until they fall off.The cooler weather and shorter days trigger excitement just as it does in us hunters.There are different "phases" of the rut,and that is what we look for.The girlies come into estrous and the boys get a whiff,and they start competing and chasing.I dont think it's actually starting yet though.They are just getting prepared maybe...JMO