How do you use the D&DH Peak Rut Predictions?

[Swandog09]

Do you use the Deer and Deer Hunting annual Peak Rut Predictions?

[Swandog09]

I tend to use it as a guideline. I think the study that Alsheimer and Laroche have done and continue to do is very helpful to me as a hunter. It has allowed me to plan hunts and increase my chances of seeing deer wihcih is important as I do not live close to where I hunt. Sorry if this topic has been covered before but want to know how you all feel about it as tool. BTW I hunt in the north.

[Woods Walker]

That's about it...a guideline. The when and how intense the rut is going to be is dictated by the does, and their activity levels and movement is determined for the most part by local conditions. Rain, unseasonal heat/cold, and crop harvest progress all play a big part in this.
 
If you go by the rule of...."During the rut, hunt as often and as long as you can".....you won't go wrong, as a big part of your success will be caused by you just "BEING THERE"!
 
You can't shoot 'em unless you're in the woods.

[Sam Menard]

I enjoy reading the articles, however our group is committed to hunting the 3rd week of the firearms seasons (Nov 14th this year). As such, we usually miss the chasing phase. Anyway, whenever I'm in the woods, I try to make a determination of the current phase of the rut. There are numerous factors that can affect the number of deer seen on any given days so, sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint where things are at. There has been some instances when I thought that the rut prediction was bang on.

Sam

[ranwin33]

I'm aware of it but don't really follow it.  There are too many other influences that can't be determined in advanced for me to believe it can be all that accurate. 
 
Past experience tells me that if the weather cooperates, I will see plenty of deer movement from the last week of October through the third week of November, and with more than enough does to go around the bucks don't have to be all that agressive to find a willing mate.