I'm rather new to the hunting sport, but love it! Anyway, how should i be calling during the pre-rut? I've been using the grunt call every now and then. Ive read that i shouldnt rattle til halloween. Is this right (makes sense). also, if it makes a difference ill be hunting in a ground blind. Also, How often do you call for?
Haven't used any call or rattle at all this year. I'd maybe do a little bleat or grunt calling towards the end of October and pick up (slightly) during the rut. As a new hunter the worse thing to do would be to scare any nearby deer away with something that doesn't sound perfect. As mentioned above, I like to be a silent as possible and will use any sort of deer only if it is visible or seems to be heading away from me.
I agree with Treehopper on this one actually. A nice gentle rattle or maybe a maternal doe call is good during the pre-rut. Then again, if you don't know what a nice gentle rattle is or how to utilize it, then maybe just back off and do what smctitan says and stay silent.
I agree with PCoutfitters on the fawn bleat. it will (sometimes) bring in a doe fast. however, don't use them when deer are near you. The gentle rattles will most likely spook any does with fawns that are near you, so use carefully. Good luck.
