I'd say it diminishes your chances of seeing "some" bucks, too.

Interesting article in D&DH this current issue....talking about juvenile/"bully" bucks....and how they might be hindering your herd.....and how it might be best to take them out.

It's saying that the biggest/oldest bucks might not be the "dominant" buck for that area. It aslo mentions that some bucks aren't pugnacious....regardless of their size or age.

So....rattling (it would seem, to me) is a crap shoot. You might take the chance of the biggest not being interested in a fight at all.......nor would he be interested in another buck in the area (if he isn't the fighting kind).

But he knows "something's" "over there" now.....that he wants nothing to do with.

Proven method of kiling deer. What we'll NEVER know is......what you scared away that might have come in.....or what knows you're there, now....that didn't before you rattled.