Out here, I've always used November 5th as the starting point for rattling and it's usually good to about the 15th for the bigger bucks. Still effective for several days after that but usually only the smaller bucks are interested at that time - the mature, more dominant bucks are far more inclined to be f@@king rather than fighting by the time rut really kicks in.
It's usually around the 20th (and a bit earlier) that doe scents should really be effective, as before that, the boys are still trying to establish dominance. Once that's tapered off and the does start coming around, the bucks start sniffing and chasing. This is where your doe scent comes in.
Try buck scents with rattling - it's a rush not unlike calling coyotes or wolves! One more thing; if it's mule deer you're after, this all happens in the same fashion, only about two weeks earlier.
How's that 30-30 treating you, Tikka6xc? Great weapon for close in calling, I'd say!
Rooster