Just got back from Highland WMA, strange things. Thought the rut was supposed to be on, and the mast was almost record this year. Not a sign of a rub of a scrape anywhere, and not an acorn in sight. What gives?

Don't know about Highland, but in Central VA and Buckingham Co. scrapes are abundant. I've heard lots of reports of chasing, but last week in Buckingham bucks weren't moving freely all day just dawn/dusk. Early breeding may have taken palce and round 2 (and height of rut) should coincide with the Nov full moon if you believe in those theories....

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I have not come across a &quot;rub&quot; yet this season. In my opinion, the rut is just now begining. There are a bunch of does running around my back yard doing their &quot;dance&quot;.

But I think I can offer an explination to the other lack of sign. This million mile an hour wind we are getting here PLUS the tons of leaves falling off the trees every day are covering the scrapes and trails as fast as they get made.

I have walked up on fresh srapes in the morning, and when I come back by a few hours later...They are plumb gone.

It's my personal forcast that the second week of rifle, and all of late muzzleloading are gonna be &quot;prime time&quot; here in the mountains.