IMO I think the best time to rattle is pre rut just before the full rut takes place in my area anyways I have never had a time in the pre rut that rattling didn't bring a buck in. I noticed that when the full rut is on most bucks(dominent bucks)have their does already. as far as putting scent out you could but its not neccessary but I would recommendusing a hyper-ventelating grunt call or just use a grunt call and pant like a dog in it if you have ever seen a buck chasing a doe you have probalby herd this call.you want to blend in with your surroundings you don't want the buck to pick you out. The best set up and the one I use is to have a buddy rattle and hyper ventelate about 20yrds behind you so when the buck comes out he is concentrating on the calling and not you. It works we have had bucks come in to our calling within5 to15 minutes of us settling in our blinds.