You would/ could have the same bucks breeding nov through Jan, since all they are waiting on is a mature doe to kick it off. It would also explain seeing a more intense rut in the area. Drawing more bucks in, while you still have the smaller number of doe in estrous at that time. By default, competition would be higher. Now THAT would be a solid theory. No real hard line. Just less intense rut noticed the further you get away from the core of the smaller genetic pool..... less competition. In my mind that's what makes areas like that special, more mature bucks pulled into a smaller area, for a small window of time. My .02
Wouldnt the flip side of this also be true in that there will be bucks leave Bankhead as well later in the year to go to these other areas in just the reverse process?......So what is it that's holding Bankhead stable over time?
Yeah, you would have the reverse process. The factor is more doe in the surrounding areas with a later date, therefore they would not have to move as much for those opportunities. The more major movement would occur getting to the small pool. Bucks that did migrate, would only have to travel just far enough to start picking up later hot doe on the "fringe", so less movement than initially, as they make their way back to core area by end of the rut. Some may stay. Like people some move more, some less. Just like you have northern gene bucks that will never leave the forest, and some that will. So nothing would, or will be exact. Just my .02, just an opinion.
I do feel like there is a good possibility the doe population in a certain area will influence their doe offspring. Nov doe will have nov doe offspring and visa versa. Thats why the northern rut gene has sustained. Just like any other species, the buck is ready anytime, he's just waiting for the doe to get right.
