RE: rattle bags vs. antlers
I use real horns;them seem to work for me.the bags and synthedic horns may work just as well.I usually rattle in several bucks each year with the real thing.I use a smaller set that will fit into my diddy bag.I have had 7 or 8 come in this year.some were in the prerut , some while the rut was in full swing and a couple were in the post rut,so it doesn't matter in my area .they will come to see what is going on.
IMHO ; it depends on how you feel about what you work with.if it is OK with you ,then go for it and call'm in.it works for me , so I just do what feels right.