Just like most aspects of whitetail hunting, rattling has different results regionally. In S.E. Wisconsin we have about 2 or three days of heavey response. Usually around Nov. 1st. Before that is waisting time and after that is waisting time. My best results come in the mornings. But evenings have been good also. I generally only rattle as a last resort, prefering to catch them off gaurd instead. I used to rattle alot when I was younger, but every year more and more peaple are trying that tech. and by the time a buck gets to an age worthy of harvest, he has been introduced to hunters rattleing and learned to check the situation very carefully before comeing in, that is, if he comes in at all. My best results for rattleing have been by carefully picking the set ups. I try to set up on the down wind side of a known doe bedding area. If at all possible I try to put an obstical down wind of my set up, such as a river, gully, road, building, etc. to keep the big bucks from circleing down wind. There will usually be a decent trail 20 to 50 yards down wind of the doe bedding area that runs paralel to the bedding area. Bucks will cruise the down wind side to sent check for does. Rattleing should be short but heavey, or bucks will pin point the noise to your exact position. At least thats what works best for me here. Good luck!