Well here it is September 1 2012 that magical day where the critters- especially deer do a complete turnaround in their habits that you and I have been so faithfully watching all year.I do not have any idea what happens or if they have a watch to tell time,but every Sept 1st The bucks will start rubbing their antlers and turn into nightime  animals along with most of the does.The fawns that were born at the normal time of late April and early May have lost their spots and are hard to tell from their momma,s unless they are standing along side each other.
   This is just a round about way to say THE RUT IS ON..Over many decades I have been asked that same question.When does the rut start.Simple and best answer is when the bucks rub their antlers the rut starts.It peaks in October with the full moon.Up until this time the does will do most of the looking.When I worked for several Game departments we were always told never to tell the 'civilians"the real truth.There are several reasons the November hunt is so good.Its called the frustration period.Most of the does have been bred so now the bucks have to move alot more looking for those few does in "heat"and then throw in that the leaves are gone and its getting cold.Then I have been asked when do the does come into heat.All year long just like a milk cow.I have sen elk and deer have their little ones in the snow of November.When a buck sheds his antlers he will not even look at a doe,so that is the reason you do not see more out of season births.
     This year I have no predictions on hunting because of the drought.The majority of the small under brush have already dropped their leaves and many of the oaks did the same before the acorns were formed so my guess is look for the trees with nuts..Good luck.