What are we seeing out there, deer conditions, numbers, any rutting going on, etc.?

Been out rattling high points the last couple of late mornings, obviously not the best conditions with the bright blue sky but still managed to get a few deer to respond. Definitely not in full rut yet since mature bucks are still coming to feeders together, but dang close. Lastly, it's bad muddy in some places.

Saw a couple of intense fights last weekend in Throckmorton. The next 10 days or so should be outstanding.

Saw nice 3.5yo 8pt late yesterday and 2 3yo 8pts harassing doe early this morning here in SW Young county. Based on little to no shots being heard, not sure the old boys are going just yet. Could be the foreplay ahead of the big boys going full throttle.

What are we seeing in either or both counties in terms of deer movements, rutting activities, etc.?

You dont like a bright blue sky???

If "no shots fired" is an indication of the mature bucks not moving then that is a good sign that folks actually care about age before they shoot.
You just GOT to make lemonade outa lemons......

I do not! The very best rattling for me has always been overcast days with cooler temps.Also, I'm perplexed about the lack of shots, I wonder if it can be attributed to quality deer management more than a lack of deer moving. I can't remember a time that I have seen more big deer taken and personally where I hunt. I will say that this past week we have experienced the dreaded lock down phase, It works fine for me because I can just keep covering a ton of country and will bump into some good bucks.

Glad I wasn't just imagining a lack of shots fired this season; sure am hopeful it is a signal of game management. Do think lots of variables are at play, namely unusually warmer temps so far this season and appearance of less hunters in field. If we can get some cooler sustained temps, do think the end of this first rut phase could be outstanding leading to a good secondary phase in mid Dec. too.

I also prefer rattling in cooler to cold overcast skies, with light winds ideally.

Was getting some work done out at the ranch saturday morning. Watched a 3yr old dog a doe 200 yards across a pasture. Neither cared about me. Haven't gotten out to hunt as much this year as I would like, but not standing out as significantly different about this season as any other

Saw strong rutting activity yesterday afternoon in Throckmorton county. A very nice mature 8 and mature, wide and tall 10 dogging a young doe pretty good. The 10 never stopped long enough to evaluate a shot but definitely was under consideration.