ratling will work in just about every pre-rut rut scenario in just about every region in the US and possibly beyond. it works best if one has a good buck to doe ratio. Ive been fortunate enough to have been able to kill a few bucks that I have rattled in. Last year I was not. Pre-rut, its best not to crash the ratling antlers or bag. Just tickle them a little bit, this works best for me in late sept-mid oct in open feeding areas. Late Oct-Mid Nov Is when I start getting a little more aggressive. I start out light just incase theres a buck bedded near by. No matter what time of the season I rattle, I keep the same sequence. I will ratlle for up to 2 minutes, pause for 8 minutes, rattle 2 minutes pause for 10 minutes, and then repeat. During the aggressive sequence I try to get a good strong break apart. Another tip I learned over the years by reading and talking with some of the pros is that real antlers work best. Most use a good 8 point with the brow tines cut off and sanded smooth where the browtines would be, this will keep you from pinching your fingers. I also learned that soaking the real bone in water for 24 hours before use really holds the natural sounds of the antlers, then soak them once the sound starts to chage. This is what I have learned over the years of ratling.