RE: Calling deer in the rut bleat or grunt??
During the pre-rut, a grunt call works well sometimes. Younger bucks may be intimidated thinking a big buck is out there and will kick his butt if he dares showing himself, but you might bring in a bigger one. During the actual breeding phase, I think the bucks will choose breeding over fighting every time--I know I would!!
Today's small bucks are tomorrow's trophies.