This is NOT a question for the Hunting Discussion board. It is not about hunting.

I want to know about deer behavior at this time of year. We have a herd of 9 deer that hang around our yard in the early morning and late evening. There are 2 adult bucks, 6 does, and 1 yearling (probably from last year). They ignore us for the most part but the yearling tries to get my cat to come and play and the cat acts like he knows him. Mama deer always has to nudge him to make him come along with the rest of the herd although he is half grown.

For the past week or so we have not see the does but the bucks are acting like bachelors. We have 2 apple trees, one on each side of the back yard and the "boys" have started sleeping under the tree in the corner. First thing they do when they get up is water the grass and then gorge themselves on apples. They are so big they look elk. They have huge horns and are at least 12-point picture perfect racks. We were sitting on the back deck late Tuesday afternoon and they walked across the yard about 20 feet from us and completely ignored us.

My question is if anyone knows why the bucks are acting like this and are not with the rest of the herd at this time of year. I thought the dominant one had his own harem or is that just during the rut? Is this odd behavior or just a couple of hungry "boys" who enjoy feasting on apples?