Generally, bucks go on a sort of "feeding frenzy" in the late fall before the rut. They build up body fat and weight. That's why in early season you'll find all that white tallow on the hams, but late in the season it's more of a yellow color and isn't as thick. Once into the rut, a buck will hardly eat or even drink much. That's why early-season bucks will weigh more than late-season bucks. They run off their weight chasing and chousing does. (There's a lesson there for young guys.
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A dominant buck will try to keep a collection of does together; his harem. He'll stand guard and fight off other bucks, unless Ol' Biggie whips him and takes over the harem.
Does just keep on eating, even through oestrus. Does will go to a feeder, but the buck usually stays back in the brush. Watching a busy trail away from a feeder is more productive hunting than sitting close by a feeder.
With more human (or "different") activity in the woods, deer get a bit spookier than usual. Different, to a deer, is by definition BAD.
Art