Quilly, if your the only one, they see next to no hunting pressure and take refuge in this spot. I would definitely try rattling and grunting. Where are the does during rut? The deer will have to move to breed, it ain't impossible. I hunt in a area that has agriculture and big lots of bush, once the deer feel the hunting pressure they move far back into the thick, undisturbed patches...which is where I hunt. I have rattled out several bucks in peak rut in these areas. The key is find a spot that is on regular travel routes, funnel, meadow, rubline or scrapes. The deer will come out of the thick stuff to eat and bucks follow does which eat usually in open areas or better food sources...so the only equalizing factor is Rut with these cagey vets. Love will make them do stupid things.

In these areas going in and getting them is usually not possible, with bucks and dense bush they will run circles all day. Your only left with a few options, either find an area that is open enough for a shot but also affords daytime movements. Possibly still hunt & catch a buck in bed, but it may cause pressure in the safe house. Hope they move out to the close outlying areas during low light. Finally try and make them come out and be accounted for by rattling, calling or using some scent during RUT.

I think it is a worth a shot, if you have a spot that sees does move then during rut the bucks will be around. Rattling may bring out that buck to see what the fuss is, it does work...just keep the wind in your favour and be patient.(they don't always come running at the sound of clash)



Edited by - skeeter 7mm on 11/10/2002 09:38:48