ORIGINAL: DropTine249
Rattling can be done from the time bucks are hard-honred until they drop their racks.
Bucks will spare, in a social manner, during the early season. A light tickle of the rattlin' horns and some soft, contact grunts will paint a picture of two bucks just having fun.
Once the pre-rut starts to come in, bucks will now be sparring to complete the "pecking order"....A tad more aggresisive yet sublte rattling sequence will work fine, just not a FIGHT.
Obviously, when testosterone is at its peak and bucks are looking for any and all available doe- aggressive and furocious rattling is in order. Especially coupled with some doe bleats, grunts and "roar/growls"....
After the peak of the rut is over and the bucks are searching for one alst girlfriend- back to a light, semi aggressive MATCH, not an all out fight. Bucks now are likely worn out and dont really want their butts kicked...Usually, the dominant buck will have no problem coming in to see what gives, because he is the MAN !!
Well said. Every area is different though. Got lots of nice bucks in my area and rattling just doesnt work much. [&:]