Rattling works the best during the pre-rut and rut. works well in the pre rut because those bucks are rarin to go and they are looking for hot does. As far as seeing them, normally you would use it to either call in somthing you dont see or a buck that is a ways off and you want to get his attention. But before you rattle. Make sure you have the wind right. Almost all bucks will scent check the area before running in so dont rattle if the wind and your set up isnt just right. Also, dont be afraid to make noise. Some of the best rattling it when you are on the ground ripping up brush and scraping the ground and just making a general racket.Grunt a few times here and there too.Make sure you relocate a little after doing that though because deer can pinpoint noise extremely well. Thats what came to mind. Hope it helps.