ORIGINAL: gzg38b
I don't know why they didn't respond. I have 2 theories.
1. My buddies who regularly hunt Illinois say the rut is very intense and very short compared to Michigan. They say that when it's on, it's unbelievable but when itstops, it stops cold. Maybe the bucks are already locked up on hot does. If that's the case, you'll never call a buck away from a hot doe - even with the buck growl LOL!
2. You've had success calling in the smaller bucks but not the bigger bucks. Those big bucks got that way by being a little smarter. If they came in to check out every bleat and grunt they've heard they'd be on somebody's wall already.
Agreed on both points. Point #1, when they start tending, they will be out of sight for the duration.
Point #2 is also compunded if you are on public land. Everyone and their uncle fred is out there beating and grunting. The deer have figured that out.