North of the 35th paralell (about Nashville, TN) we know that to ensure the success of the fawn to survive the following winter, the peak breeding period must be around mid November. The average gestation period for a whitetail is about 200 days. This is about 6.5 months. If a doe is successfully bred in mid November, then the fawn should be born around late May. There is an abundant amount of browse and other food during that time, not to mention about 4-5 months before the weather becomes a factor due to the cold temps. Does that are bred during the 2nd rut have a much higher chance of losing their fawns during the following winter.
In the south, the weather isn't as much as a factor due to the milder winter. I've never hunted in the south, so I can't comment on the timing of the southern rut.
I agree that moon phases can drastically alter deer movement, and I believe Charlie's research involves the decreasing daylight triggering an increased amount of estrogen and testosterone in whitetails, however I believe that regardless of weather (heat), moon phase, hunting pressure, or other variables, the northern whitetail must breed in November to ensure a good survial rate and a healthy group of fawns for the following year. While the peak breeding period may not be the ideal time to hunt, the searching and chasing phases should most always fall within the first 2 weeks of November.