This will be contrary to what many say but I have found a warm November increases both rutting activity and the quality of the bucks taken.
IMO bigger, more mature bucks keep their senses about them and don't run themselves ragget when the reality of a cold winter is present. I also have found more aggressive rubs and scrapes as the scent seems to linger longer without the freezing and snow cover.
There is also the reality of sight. Yes, you can see deer better with snow but again IMO the advantage goes to the deer. Mature deer seem to be aware of this white back drop and adjust to thicker bush and/or nocturnal behaviour. On a warm year they seem to travel more.
Having said all that, it is nice to have a bit of snow for tracking wounded game. Too many people have no idea if a deer is hit and without snow they are too quick to assume they just missed and give up the search.
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