Rattling can be atough one to figure out. I've seen and heard where it will scare away the bucks and then the next time they come right on in to the exact spot where you are in the woods. Its amazing how they can pin point exactly to the tree your inwhere you were rattling! Everything has got to be right for this to work! Pre rut seems to be the best time for me to rattle Oct. 15th to Oct. 25th has been my best success here in Minnesota.