What antler size is best for rattling? If you use too big of sized antlers will it chase off some bucks?

I think it not so much the size as is the rhythm you rattle at. If you get too aggressive you stand to scare off some deer, I would change it up...light sparring then really get into to it ...then maybe back to light. See what works.

I have been rattling successfully for quite a few years. There are some things I have noticed over the years. One, it really depends on the area your in, whether to use a large set, or small set. I dont like the big horns. I feel you risk scaring too many bucks with them. The family owned property I hunt has a lot of nice bucks each year in the 120 + class, but I like a small set of 8 point antlers. They dont have a lot of mass to them, and I feel sound better for this area. I have a lot of nice bucks respond to them during the peak of the pre-rut. The thing is, they dont sound too intimidating to most bucks. Think about it. Most bucks are looking for does, not fights. They are not going to come blowing into a fight between two bruisers where its uncertain if he is going to get his ass kicked or not. But he will be more likely to come in and ivestigate two smaller bucks that he should be able to push out of the area.

Also, check out a rattle bag. I started using one a couple years ago, and have been having good luck with it. A lot easier to carry also.

Thanks guys. Should you rattle just when things are slow, when you see one out of range or what? We have a good population of bucks on our lease. Here shortly I'm going to be able to spend more time out in the woods and would like to try this.. Good luck all.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I think it not so much the size as is the rhythm you rattle at.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>

I think I heard my wife say something similar once.

--Man who fish in other man's well often catch crabs--

Wear,
This may help you out:

http://www.iowawhitetail.com/PastArt...eton102000.asp


Good Hunting
TB

as far as size of the rattlin horn's go it dosen't matter I use a
rattlin bag a lot easier to carry as far as how hard to rattle
pre rut just light clicking together as the rut come's on then you can get into more of the hitting them together and louder clicking even break a few stick's as your doing this make it sound like a fight and add a grunt's I have taken alot of nice buck's doing this
good luck to ya

WOW, that a good article...thanks!

Nice article Two Beards...Thanks for everyone's input, Ive got both the rattle bag and some sheds i can try.