Bleats and grunts can both be effective. It' s all based on timing, yours and the deer.

Never call to a deer that is already headed in your direction. If they are passing you by out of range and it' s apparent they won' t turn around, then it' s time to call. Let out a soft grunt that you think will be barely audible to a moving deer at the distance. If he cares to hear you he' ll stop and look your way. Blow one more, softer this time, and he' ll come in.

I think calls are great too have and have worked well for me. I can also tell you from experience that they are overused. I now keep mine in my zipped up fanny pack. If I don' t have the time or the ability to get the call out without the deer seeing me, I didn' t need it in the first place.

I rarely " Blind Call" , that is call without first seeing the deer.