Rattling

[Big Game]

Don't know if this has been posted before but, when do most people start rattling? I've always gone by the "Halloween rule", anyone had success rattling in a buck early? If so what type of rattling sequences did you use?

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

when you start seeing fresh rubs and scrapes they will usually start respond to rattling (not too agressive) but more important early on is calling. Go youtube some videos about calling, easier to watch then to explain. Don't forget your scents and even mock scrapes.It all ties in together.

 

[Demonical]

Bucks will begin sparring sessions as soon as their antlers are hard, so anytime from Mid-Sept on you can fool with it. But bucks will not be doing serious fighting then, so rattle lightly to simulate a couple of bucks that are just sparring.

I know of a situation that on Oct 20, a guy shot a buck as it was sparring with another, while a third buck stood and watched the other 2 jousting.

 

[daveg01]

A hunting buddy of mine watched as two bucks sparred one time. He said that over the few minutes they fought that many deer (does and bucks) came on the scene to check out the action.

I start rattling usually the 3rd week of October.

 

[scruffee]

Early in the season I usually do light rattling, most bucks just lost their felt and are starting to "play" and gauge the other bucks... I start rattling more aggresively at the end of october.

 

[Gymbo]

when you start seeing fresh rubs and scrapes they will usually start respond to rattling (not too agressive) but more important early on is calling. Go youtube some videos about calling, easier to watch then to explain. Don't forget your scents and even mock scrapes.It all ties in together.

I saw a fresh rub on a small tree opening day and about a week later saw another rub and some scrapes. A little early don't you think? No they were not last years !!