Yesterday was the first day I was able to make it out to a stand since taking my buck on Tuesday. I woke up an hour late, but was still able to slip into a new stand I hung on Sunday. A little after 7 I saw a deer moving through the rows of corn so I rattled. Not a minute later I had this buck (a 3.5 year old 9 point about 115"), 2 1.5 year olds, and a very nice 10 pointer. I got ready to take a shot on the 10 but he had a busted off G2 and G3 on his right side. Probably would of been a 130" if his rack was all there. All 4 bucks ran around grunting and sparring with each other for about a minute before taking off. After this party left I looked up and another shooter was standing about 75 yards off in a thicket. He was a really wide, stubby tined 10 pointer. He ended up bedding about 100 yards away, but never did come into me. Around 9:30 I rattled in another little 6 point. That made 6 different bucks that I was able to see. One of my best hunts ever. That afternoon I went back to the stand I shot my buck on Tuesday, and again I rattled right at 5. Not a minute later I looked down the field edge and here came a buck. I thought I was having a dream, but this buck wasn't quite what I was looking for. About a 110" 8 point, but a dandy experience regardless.
Depends where you're at I suppose. I tried three different sequences this morning with a little bit of grunting mixed in with no response whatsoever
This year I have rattled in 12 different bucks. Half of those deer were at least 3.5 years old. I began rattling on most November hunts about 6 years ago, and it's safe to say that I maybe called in a few each year. I did make one switch this year though. I am using real antlers. I used to use a rattle bag, but this year with a little practice I was able to get pretty darn good with the real horns. I think it sounds a lot better than the bag, and I guess the deer do too.
I've had days like that, you'll never forget them. Mine were spikes and forkies but still very memorable
