Pre rut and rut....but not too hard and not too long... as you rattle and after you rattle... be looking all around you,,,,be ready to shoot,,The bucks will be in and out on perimeters checking for the battle. I recommend a rattle bag tied around your neck to allow for quick gun handling and target acquisition.. Bow hunting... same thing ....Just make sure your string is long enuf so that the bag rest near your sternum which should be out of your draw/aim area...simple way to be successful...you can rattle with one hand with them bags.. try it!! Like scratchin yur belly...HAW HAW