Am I wasting my time rattling at this stage of the rut?
Nope! Rattling works well all through the rut. My best luck rattling has been In the pre rut but my brother has had great luck rattling all the way through the rut. Don't ask me what I'm doing wrong rattling during the rest of the rut, I haven't a clue.[8D] Just don't get to aggressive with your rattling. Be some what aggressive, but not to aggressive.