I think the question here is how are we defining the rut.
Exactly! As far as Im concerned Ive been using rut tactics since the middle of October. Now to clarify though, rut tactics change as the rut goes on. Establishing dominance of domain, scraping, chasing, trolling/breeding.
I guess it depends on what you consider the "rut".
To me its not just the short window of peak breeding. That to me signals that the rut will be picking up again for a short time after, (for about 28 days, as does that missed, cycle again)
I dont like that peak breeding period anyway, its too tough to get a big buck away from a doe in heat. When you have that many does in heat at one time, good luck finding a dominant buck without a girl friend.[down]