Rattling techniques, succes or failures
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location:
Posts: 38
Rattling techniques, succes or failures
Hey I have been spending a lot of time rattling lately,(the rut just started down here) I have seen alot of good deer and had shots at few. Just looking for some tips to apply, or some stories to learn from. Thanks
#2
RE: Rattling techniques, succes or failures
I seem to have the most luck rattling during the early stages of the rut. I usually rattle about 3-4 minutes then hang them up for about 15 minutes before trying again. One morning several years ago, I rattled up 3 bucks on the same day. They all 3 came to the exact same spot at 30 yards from my tree. They all circled downwind from my tree. None of them presented a clear shot. I usually wait until I see a buck and use the rattling as a last resort. When you hit the right time period, it will work. If the buck is close, just tickle them together. Don't rattle loud enough to give away your position. Make them come in looking for the other "bucks".
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Livonia,new york
Posts: 564
RE: Rattling techniques, success or failures
rattled in a 6 pointer this year. mixed it up with a doe bleat at first followed by the rattling with some grunts at the same time. i saw him coming to me before i heard him. was out of range but then hegot a whiff of the doe urine around my stand and came right in. funny thing about this story is i let him go cause i wanted to bag an 8 pointer i saw 2 days before. never saw the 6 and found out 3 days after this that somebody bagged the 8 a day after i saw him. ain't huntin great
#4
RE: Rattling techniques, success or failures
Have always rattled, but this year was the first time I ever had any success with it. The first time I brought them out this fall I had a decent 8 point come in, but at 25 yards I couldn't get a clean shot. The next day I had the same 8 point, a real nice 10, a smaller 8, and 2 forks answer. The bigger deer stayed about 50-60 yards awaythis daythough.
I would just rattle for about 15 seconds and put them down for about 30 seconds while grunting the whole time. I then would pick them back up and go for about 2 minutes. I follow this up by more grunts.
I would just rattle for about 15 seconds and put them down for about 30 seconds while grunting the whole time. I then would pick them back up and go for about 2 minutes. I follow this up by more grunts.
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location:
Posts: 38
RE: Rattling techniques, success or failures
Thanks for the info, do all of you guys just rattle in the stand? In Texas we usually walk and set up with a rattler and a hunter set up in front of him. It is not uncommon to rattle in 3 or 4 bucks a time or more, and maybe 10 to 20 a day. They love the horns down here. My problem is getting them within range, any opinions?
#7
RE: Rattling techniques, succes or failures
I agree, get out in front of the rattling and let the deer come in closer to the hunter that way. I also like to rattle over a decoy(bow only) this visual seems to bring them in the extra distance it also gives them something else to key on so I can get ready to take the shot. Before using a decoy I got busted a few times getting to full draw.
#8
RE: Rattling techniques, succes or failures
When I started teaming with a partner, I didn't realize how many bucks were coming in that I never got to see. Set up your partner ~60 yds downwind of your position, hope the best for him. Ditto on decoys, they give the deer something to look at.
-fsh
-fsh
#9
RE: Rattling techniques, succes or failures
I rattled this one in this year. It was early Nov, the rut was strong. I began rattling a little around 5pm or so. I started out with a light rattle on my bag, I rattled for about 2 minutes and stopped for about 10 minutes. The I hit the bag hard for about 2 minutes and then stopped. About 45 seconds he came trotting in. Turned broadside and I plugged him. I have been using this technique for many years and it has shown to be successfull. The best times to rattle are just after day light, and right before or at sunset. Rattle lightly at first incase theres one bedded down close for about 2 minutes. If you get no response wait 5-10 minutes and rattle again a little more aggressively for about 2 minutes. Watch in all directions mainly upwind.
#10
RE: Rattling techniques, succes or failures
I have mixed feeling on rattling. I have had a few come in but it got their attention in looking hard my direction and trying to circle around to wind the apparent fighting bucks. I think when this happens you havent completely fooled the buck or hes not the dominant one in that area because hes circling to see if hes going to get his butt kicked or sizing up the competition.