I don't know how accurate the map is but it's interesting. I hunt in south Russell County and I can firmly say that our peak rut is the 2nd week of December. Since there were no northern deer released in that area, it kinda shoots a hole in that theory.
I believe that the biologists are on the right track when they surmise that it has a lot to do with the sex ratio of the herd. Studies have suggested this is true.
I've heard others agree with the sex ratio theory in regards to rut timing, but I know of one pocket of Al. that blows that theory...there is a small area around the Union Town/ Faundsdale where the deer herd is actually much smaller than what you typically see in the BB...they have a very good buck to doe ratio and some of the biggest horned an body deer you will see come out of Al., but their rut is still 3rd and 4th week in January...then there are other places with higher deer numbers and not as good of a buck to doe ratio where rut is early January, like in part of Green Co. With that being said, I believe that if you are over populated with does/ have too many does per buck and correct that problem you could see a week to 10 day shift (backwards) due mainly to a more concentrated and intense, but shorter rut. JMO based on observations in different areas I've hunted.
