Strange rut activity in 124

[jnevs23]

I've been hunting 124 since Thursday planning on catching the tail end of the rut. Generally on this property I get a couple days of mature bucks on the prowl then it quickly dies off.  I forgot the doe in heat scent thurs and promptly saw a spike chasing a doe at first light....rest of the day dead.  Yesterday i put out the scent and had 3 spikes and a 2 point in by 9 am...nothing since. I've passed 3 easy shots waiting for the big boys.  Seeing lots of does, no bucks behind them. I'm guessing the studs have bred and the dinks are looking for leftovers. Anyone else having a similar problem?

[jager]

That's what I've found as well. Lots of does!
I'm sure others will be quick to disagree, but I believe the big buck numbers are waaaay down in 124   

[jnevs23]

I've only gotten one buck bigger than a spike on cam, but I havent had bait out much and it died from nov 10 to 20. Last year the second rut was crazy around dec 8th or so. I saw 8 or 9 different bucks in 2 days, all but one was 3 pt or better.  The guy that lets me hunt says this is the worst he's seen it in 25 years.  Doesn't make any sense, not seeing much sign of winter or predator kill.  I know this weather isn't helping me out.  Downright balmy out here

[jnevs23]

Well I can't complain about not seeing anything big anymore.  I saw an absolute monster around 4. Didn't have time to count points but looked like at least 6x6 very heavy, very tall and very wide. One of the 2 or 3 biggest whitetails I've ever seen.  He came straight from behind me on a dead sprint.  Stopped 10 yards dead to my right, sniffed a couple times, then back to a dead sprint.  I've never seen a buck anywhere near this size in the 6 years I've hunted this piece.
I did Think it was strange he was running balls out but not chasing a doe. Guess the rut makes those boys crazy

[huntnnw]

i wouldnt say the studs are done..this is one of the best times to find a stud when there are few does in heat still..they are on the move looking for does...I would say the lack of mature whiteys in the area. I hunted 2 spots in 124 last year..one spot never even got a buck on cam! and the other spot had 2  one year olds and a 4 1/2 and that was it