Yes, it is peak breeding but that doesn't render prey distress ineffective.
I was out Friday night. Some sets I gained their attention with howls, some just with prey distress, but in the end they all had a prey distress playing when they came into shooting range. I ended up shooting 3 and, after one of the thre, turned to see another at ~360yds sitting on his rear, downwind, watching. I got a poke around 400 but wasn't able to connect - standing and tripod is good but still tough at those ranges with any breeze.
Anyhow, I think a lot has to do with the weather too. There was a front coming in and while they are breeding hard they also are very prone to being susceptible to distress with the front. JMO. This time of year, I'll start with a howl, move to distress. It seems to work for both breeding and hungry dogs.
ETA: I should also mention that I strongly believe curiosity is a big component too. If they don't know there are humans around, wind is in your favor, etc. you can get them to come investigate almost anything. Bird distress is a good example. About a month back WWE were not having very much luck calling, it was just too nice/no snow/too much prey tha was easy to catch, I threw a certain bird distress on at the end of a set and one came cruising in. Did it again successfully multiple times over the weekend and next few weeks.
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