ive never used rattling antlers, but hear they make a big difference in the woods, so was kinda curious on everyones thoughts about when to start rattling, like month and how long should a rattle last, use calls in between or not
mine is old and worn out too the point it sounds like a retarded deer if you blow too hard.....
The only time I have heard a buck make any noise was during early November chasing a doe across a clover field. Tending grunts as he chased that poor doe all morning lol.
I've never heard a big buck grunt. Just the small ones. And the small ones do it a lot...
Wow! You surprised me with that one Adam. I have not been hunting deer anywhere close to as long as you have and I have heard plenty of grunts. Usually during rut or pre-rut with bucks chasing, but every now and then when hunting in close to a bedding area I have heard them. Early morning crisp air with a fog and silhouttes in the thick stuff is an awesome time to hear a big ol' grunt 50-100yds away!
I had a big old response typed up and my phone shit all over itself. Long story short, rattling doesn't work in 99% of Ohio IMO and it's a waste of time and effort. I think you're better off to leave the noise and movement to the professionals...
Same here. I've never seen or heard any bucks sparring while in stand.around here ratteling isnt very affective, to many does, the bucks dont really have to fight over them. But in an area with a good doe to buck ratio it works good during the first stages of the rut. you might try it around the first and second week of november. It stands to reason that if to bucks are about to square off they would probably be grunting and wheezing at each other as well. And the winner might just grunt a few times after the battle is over.
I had a big old response typed up and my phone shit all over itself. Long story short, rattling doesn't work in 99% of Ohio IMO and it's a waste of time and effort. I think you're better off to leave the noise and movement to the professionals...