The bucks come out right before season!
As it seems to happen every year on my lease, the bucks come out RIGHT before season starts. You don't see a hide or hair of them on camera until literally a few weeks before season. I have never had a picture of a buck in velvet... ever. But, they aren't disappointing... they are back and ready to rut. Lots of pre-rut activity on camera, including a great "exchange" between a nice 9pt and a small spike! Spike got his butt whooped (shocker). Enjoy the pics: