I have had a lot of luck here with rattling. Early in the year - just tickle them a little. I have the best luck setup in an area that has some kind of open area around it. I know they will battle anywhere but seems like an opening is the best place to initiate a sparring match. As the rut picks up, I simulate knock down drag outs with the horns and knocking the base against the tree throwing a grunt or two in the lulls. I go at it pretty good for 2-3 minutes. Then set my stuff down, get my bow and get in position because they seem to come in pretty fast around here.

I use heavy horns too - it seems to make a difference - make just be luck too. Originally I used a light 6. Two years ago, I got a hold of a heavy, thick 8 and they sound good. My 6 point rackpulled in a lot of bucks but not one big shooter. In the last 2 years, have pulled in 4 good bucks - 2 in the basement. I seem to have no luck with anything else other than rattling.

Doe to buck ratio is certainly a big factor too - if there are plenty of does - why fight?

Good luck - hope you have some success with it.