Use to always hunt rabbit and partridge when i was younger, Buddy of mine had two beagles that were very good at hunting rabbit, Always made a stew with them, They are very good.
I think you're right, But like Will said, If its trying to anchor at the end of Nov or so, Then be concerned then, I just don't like a torched November.
Apples and oranges if he's try to compare the areas in a Nina, You could very easily end up on the wrong side of a gradient pattern, I would take my chances with that the further north you are.