I have been scouting 3 really nice bucks for the area i am hunting and wanted to try a different tactic on them. I want to try to rattle one of these big guys in, but i don't know when the best time of day and year is. Got any advice?
Rattling can be done from the time bucks are hard-honred until they drop their racks.
Bucks will spare, in a social manner, during the early season. A light tickle of the rattlin' horns and some soft, contact grunts will paint a picture of two bucks just having fun.
Once the pre-rut starts to come in, bucks will now be sparring to complete the "pecking order"....A tad more aggresisive yet sublte rattling sequence will work fine, just not a FIGHT.
Obviously, when testosterone is at its peak and bucks are looking for any and all available doe- aggressive and furocious rattling is in order. Especially coupled with some doe bleats, grunts and "roar/growls"....
After the peak of the rut is over and the bucks are searching for one alst girlfriend- back to a light, semi aggressive MATCH, not an all out fight. Bucks now are likely worn out and dont really want their butts kicked...Usually, the dominant buck will have no problem coming in to see what gives, because he is the MAN !!
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Rattling can be done from the time bucks are hard-honred until they drop their racks.
Bucks will spare, in a social manner, during the early season. A light tickle of the rattlin' horns and some soft, contact grunts will paint a picture of two bucks just having fun.
Once the pre-rut starts to come in, bucks will now be sparring to complete the "pecking order"....A tad more aggresisive yet sublte rattling sequence will work fine, just not a FIGHT.
Obviously, when testosterone is at its peak and bucks are looking for any and all available doe- aggressive and furocious rattling is in order. Especially coupled with some doe bleats, grunts and "roar/growls"....
After the peak of the rut is over and the bucks are searching for one alst girlfriend- back to a light, semi aggressive MATCH, not an all out fight. Bucks now are likely worn out and dont really want their butts kicked...Usually, the dominant buck will have no problem coming in to see what gives, because he is the MAN !!
Well said. Every area is different though. Got lots of nice bucks in my area and rattling just doesnt work much. [&:]
Thanks, it sounds like it will work, but how effective is it? I have seen it done on TV, but remember...it's just TV. Have you ever had any success with it or know anyone that has?
What would happen if I brought a couple sheds and waited until I KNEW bucks were around and started to tickle them. Do you think that would interest them this early in the season?
The way buck to doe ratios are in most parts of Pa, I don't think rattling is a good idea at all. There isn't really any competition for does in most area's, so there's no real need to fight. I think it just spooks the bucks, at least in my area.I never rattle in Pa. I believe rattling works best with a very close B/D ratio.
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JMO..but it works best for me between Oct 20 - November 5th. Probably cause it coincides with my trip to Kansas. It takes an area where the buck to doe ratio is high. More competition between the bucks. In KY where I hunt most of the season, I don't even bother, too much out of balance. It will attract small bucks out of curiosity, but not a shooter.
I've rattled in 140+ bucks in Kansas ready to whoop someone, but never in Kentucky. All depends on the environment your hunting in.
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When is it best to rattle?
