Early season "rattling"
 

I know better than to clash the antlers together like an all out war this early in the season. But lightly tickling the anters to simulate some sparring wouldn't hurt anything right now would it? I've been seeing bucks sparring for a few weeks now so I don't think it would be un-natural. What do you guys think?

RE: Early season "rattling"
 

If I know they are sparing, I am too! I've even had does come in to investigate my attempts at tickling the tines!

RE: Early season "rattling"
 

i just got done watching a couple bucks sparring, it wasnt an even match to say the least though

RE: Early season "rattling"
 

I try it, never had any luck. But I try it.

RE: Early season "rattling"
 

I've seen it going on and have also thought about trying...

RE: Early season "rattling"
 

Light sparring does seem to be going on right now. I tried it some myself and haventSEEN anything, but I swear I heard a buck grunt from somewhere downwind of me yesterday morning after a sequence. Never caught a glimpse of him, but I was sure it was a grunt I heard. Tried grunting back but nothing materialized. Probably winded me. May have been wishful thinking.
Main thing to remember is that after a sparring sequence it may take a buck a while to circle around downwind. Dont get too impatient and give up too soon.

RE: Early season "rattling"
 

I've done it and had does and young bucks come in. The big boys probably think it's just some immature bucks playing grown-up. Try it...a doe tastes alot better than an old buck anyway!

RE: Early season "rattling"
 

I'll tickle the bones for a little bit and then rake them against some thick brush to make it sound more real.
I'll try this tatic for the first three weeks of the season then by the end of Oct. and the begining of Nov. I'll put a more effort ino it.
It doesn't hurt to use that snort / wheeze call with rattling and stomping the ground beneth your feet , with that combination it really sounds like they are going at it