I've been trying to learn more about this topic. Much of what I've found has been contradictory or vague, or of questionnable accuracy. Can anyone recommend a source that is science-based, such as a university study?

not scientific,

but, like someone said about pornography, "I know it when I see it". Spend enough time in the woods where there are deer, and you will see the rut.

Best

GWB

There is tons of research out there on the deer rut but the long and short of it is, it has everything to do with then the Doe comes into Heat.

Depending on where you are, and some other variables, she can start her "cycle" as early as September and she will do it again approximately 28 days later.

If she does not get Bred she can continue this until the late winter/early spring.

A lot of guys here can help you though. What specific questions did you have?

There have been lots of studies done. The timing of the rut depends on where you are. I'm in VA now and mid-Nov is the magic time. When I lived in Pensacola, FL. the rut happened right arounf Martin Luther King Day in mid-Jan.

I've also tried to understand the rut and it depends on where you are. Here in south Alabama, it is the week of January 1 - always the same. Further south you go, the later the rut, generally.

It also depends on where the deer came from, if they were restocked in your area.