I'm calling BS on it.
Around here, in Northern Virginia, I've seen no evidence that the rut has started. Been out a lot, after work and on the weekends, every week for 6 weeks and only now am starting to see rubs and small scrapes. Maybe elsewhere its underway, but not here, not yet (which is odd).
The rut guide is way to broad and generalized to provide any guidance at all. They'd be much better off having a state by state reporting tool where folks can log in and register what they are seeking. To have some guy write some meaningless nationwide report . . . why its as worthwhile as the weather forecast on the Today show (come to think of it, its a heck of a lot less worthwhile).