Is the rut on?

During a walk yesterday I saw and watched a young blacktail buck for quite a while.   I was at a local park with a hilly loop trail that goes through some woods and small open spaces.  The buck crossed the trail about 60 yards ahead of me.  I had my camera so I got it ready and slowly walked down the trail.  There he was, about 40 yards out in some tall grass and brush.  Just standing there looking at me.  I took a few pics and he finally moved behind a bush.  I walked further down the trail and then decided to go back and look again.  He was still there and when he saw me this time he moved into the nearby trees, but just at his own pace.  

That's the first time I've seen a buck in my immediate area.  I see does and fawns all the time.  But I was starting to think there must be some immaculate conception going on, cause there ain't no bucks.  Well, now I know they're really here.

I guess the rut has started.  Otherwise I don't think that fellow would have stuck around as long as he did.  

Usually I don't get many shots of any deer, but this guy let me keep zooming in more and more.        In reality, he must know that the seasons over, so he's giving me the finger.