early in, again yes, I find that inaccurate. Not so much using a wrong call at the wrong time but if you play your "can" against the site I provided the "can" sounds more like the contact call than what's suppose to be an estrous bleat. It's labeled an estrous bleat but it doesn't produce an estrous bleat...if an estrous bleat exists as such. Nothing I can find in writing suggest that and if someone does I appreciate the link, provided it's a reputable link rather than someone selling a product. I've never seen scientific research telling us that does will call like that when in heat/estrous. I suppose some pen deer somewhere made it. Anyway, again, the "can" call, even when mimic'd sounds like a contact call and is usable throughout the season.

I'd imagine when you make that call during the rut, a heated buck will come to it because it's a doe...hey when your heated and you hear a female say "hey you" you come running right.

Rob, the first time I actually heard a doe make that EXACT sound that the "Can" duplicates was four years ago. This was during the heat of the rut and a buck was right on her heels!I mean the sound that the "Can" makes is EXACTLY the sound that doe made. I couldn't believe it.
Like alot of subjects, this one could go round and round. But I've stated what "I've" heard and what "I" believe.

And I won't doubt you a bit ei, but was it an "estrous" bleat? I've never seen a deer, buck or doe spook using it early or late. I know it works, at times and like other calling, I've never seen a negative response using calls, grunts or bleats. Very effective.

Keep doing what your doing.