There are many bucks around the westside the begginning of september. Many of which still carrying velvet and their summer coats. It is true that they are not as heavy and you might get a little less meat but I think it taste great that time of year. They haven't gone through the rut yet are much less spooky in my opinion. I can't deny the appeal of the late season, gray coated, hard horned,thick necked blacky though. Evenings are best.