It was an odd year last year. Signs of rut activity were seen just before the season started and I was getting great field reports. I got all excited. By the time the season started it faded away. I kept thinking it would get going anytime and made trips in as often as I could. In the meantime I spent all my money and then some (gas, etc). Finally I dumped a spike and came home. However as soon as I pulled the trigger I knew I had messed up. All the sudden (on the way out) I was seeing rubs and sign that I had not seen before. I sent a guy in to the same spot and he saw a bruiser, then later in the day killed a very nice three point (5 years old).
This year, I may make a trip over early, but I wont get serious until Thanksgiving.
Have fun.