RE: rattling methods?
Baggin Bigguns brings up several very good points. One thing I have noticed that works during the pre-rut and rut is just basic grunting, especially during the last hour or 1/2 hour of sunlight. Once I get a buck in view through rattling or grunting, I try to make as little sounds as possible and still keep his attention. I try to keep him curious and move into range with the occasional grunt. This only works for so long, they will eventually get bored or spooked, so have those shooting lanes cleared and be ready to send an arrow his way as soon as you can make the shot.
This is just my experience, I could have just been lucky...