I haven't missed anything. I rattle when the time is right. it is useless for me to rattle in a bunch of small bucks. middle of next week is the earliest i'll start rattling. I have found just using a grunt call is better. I have had some rattling work and it is a good calling strategy but I approach it the same as turkey hunting. when you educate him it's game over. I have the best luck trying to keep a buck in their natural behavior. as stated above the buck to doe ratio is key. mature bucks always value their safety over the urge to rut and breed.
I agree that buck to doe ratio is key. In my area there's proably a 5 doe to 1 buck ratio, so bucks don't need to compete/fight for a doe. In 14 years of hunting my woods, I have NEVER heard two bucks fighting. Antler rattling only spooks my deer, but I will use the "Can" and a grunt tube when the time is right.
My dad has rattled in countless shooters, whether he got a shot or not that another story. I've never been able to do it.
I think rattling has a lot to do with the bucks in your area. I've had a lot of success bringing bucks in by rattling but I also knew I had a few mature bucks around. I usually start rattling around Halloween weekend.
Taking my antlers with me in the morning. I'll just give them a little tickle but in about 2 weeks I'll get more serious. I've actually had some decent results rattling in deer.
I have had more luck (shooting deer) with estrus bleat and or grunting then rattling. I am determined to shoot a deer rattling though every time I get one coming in a shot never presents itself. Last time I had one come in it was a killer 8 but he was trucking right through the woods and a good speed right passed me. I didn't even have time to react and grunt at him. Part my fault for not being ready and bad stand placement for the situation. It is going to be upper 60s until Tues it gets to 50 and Friday 43. I plan on going on in the morning those days with the antlers. The set up is going to be between the river and a ridge. If I get one coming through he should be within 30 yards or under.
It depends on his area. If the bucks don’t have to compete with does, then a rattling sequence is pointless. I talked to a few of my buddies that think rattling is pointless, being natural, playing the wind, and not moving is the key to success, plus these guys have killed one big bucks.
I’ve tried some rattling already with no success I know it’s early but the areas I hunt there are many more does than bucks. Haven’t had much luck in previous years with bleat can or grunt call either. Most of my success has come from good stand placement and countless hours in the woods. Sent from my iPad using Bowhunting.com Forums
Never had that much luck rattling, but grunt and can call work very well. My area doe to buck ratio is thrown way off because we can only take one doe a year bet our ratio is close to 1:1.
