Timing of the rut in northern Montague Co.

I have been hunting nearly every afternoon since season started. We have 320 acres in NW Montague Co. This year we are hunting the perimeter only, we are leaving the place as undisturbed as possible and we're seeing a lot more deer than usual. My question is the timing of the rut. The bigger bucks have virtually disappeared this last week and the little bucks are starting to chase the does a little. Just yesterday I saw a 6 pt and a 8 pt together and got a really good look at them. What I thought was unusual was their hocks were barely even wet and barely even black. About 4 days ago I watched a decent 9 pt make a scrape on the edge of a wheat field. I also know from TPWD that the peak of the rut usually occurs around Nov. 15th. I've hunted Jack and Throckmorton Cos. My entire life and found this to be fairly accurate. Is it possible the rut is occurring later on the Red River where we're hunting? Has it been anyone's observation that the rut is occurring later in November period? Thanks.

I hunt north texas as well. We have been seeing some of the same with younger bucks getting fired up. Been my experiance when it comes to the rut you can bet two things 1 its gona happen and 2 you better not miss it. Outside of that all bets are off. Ive seen bucks runing does with hocks tongues hanging out sideways in late october bout 3 seasons ago and Ive seen second/more dominat ruts in late december. We kill most our bigger bucks around the very end of season after all ruts are over for the most part and they really start hitting the food sources. Hang in there and good luck.

Up there just SE of you. We have just seen the younger bucks chase and annoy the crap out of the does. Buddy is there now and seen two big ones last night and today by themselves grabbing a quick bite of corn before moving on. No does seen so they are in hiding. Based on all my records of big deer taken on and around our place, it happens now till first week in Dec. after that, they go back to hiding.