I think they might notice the stand at first. The more mature deer will anyway. Would you notice a ladder stand in your living room that wasn't there yesterday? JMO They will get used to it eventually and except it. I would set it a few weeks in advance.

When I rattle I try to setup so the deer can't circle me down wind. If I can't do that which is most of the time I setup so a buck coming in can't see behind me so he doesn't hangup 45yds out and stair into an open section of hardwoods looking for the action. I want him to come in close and peek over the edge of that knoll or into that brush lot. Setting up on the edge or between two bedding arias is a great place to pull bucks in. The best hide out is in a tree. If and when you do rattle from the ground pick good cover because that buck will be scanning hard when he comes in. If the buck to doe ratio isn't that good in your aria don't go crazy with the horns. Far to often hunters scare more than attract. Tickle the tines threw the hole session. A session would be 4min of rattling, 4min brake, 4min rattling, 4min brake, and 4 more minutes of rattling. Others will differ but that's what works for me. While going threw the sequence your scanning the woods hard. You don't want a buck to sneak up on you while your ticking in the tree. Be ready they can come in quick. The best time to rattle is the week before the rut. I use a rattle back and it sounds good. Some short grunts now and then is in order. If your on the ground rake the leaves and brake some branches. If your in the tree and your using horns, rake the tree. DONT GET BUSTED!! Generally the bigger bucks will come in but not always. You could scare off some smaller bucks so keep that in mind if that bothers you. All of this has worked for me several times. Others will have there way, don't stop your research here.

I threw that out quick and sloppy, hope you don't mind.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> I gotta get to bed!!!

Good Luck and let us know how you make out!








Edited by - Mantis Mayer on 11/06/2002 22:29:04