Anyone else seeing bucks in bachelor groups still?

[Pup]

Almost every time I'm out this month I'm seeing bucks in groups, just not acting "rutty". Sure, some are following does, only one was really chasing and herding them, but still not seeming to mind having other bucks around. Last night I saw 7 different bucks from my hottest stand, everything from spikes to a pair of 120 class 8s. None of them was the least bit interested in rattling or the can. I even switched my rattling antlers with another pair wondering if that was it. The two 8s were together and stayed together the whole time I was there. I know the does are ready, but I'm not so sure about the bucks. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[JC_Walker]

I'm seeing & getting the same reaction here in central Iowa. It's just not looking like the rut to me either. Like many have said, the weather has slowed things this year. Heck maybe we'll see some rutting deer during the first shot gun season. That could be fun!

 

[hillrunner]

I have been seeing much the same and was wondering the same thing. I havent really seen any mature buck activity at all but many of the 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 bucks seem to be traveling together yet. I have definately seen some rut activity, it just seems really calm compared to most years

 

[gundog870]

I hunted in southwest iowa this weekend and saw one buck chasing does. I saw about a 160 feeding with does?? what is going on??

 

[Full Quiver]

Didn't see much activity last weekend... just a small 8 point just checking scrapes & another chasing a doe across a corn field as I was walking out. But very little activity. Was surprised.