I have many mixed replies from calling. For example, 2 seasons ago I used a grunt call during the gun season, and had suprising success (two eight ptrs, and a few smaller bucks came within shooting distance). Last year, grunting or rattling didnt work for me at all in the exact same stand. My conclusion is that the buck to doe ratio has to be relatively even, for bucks to react. I love to grunt/rattle around this time of year, bucks really seem to be on the move...and on top of that I have seen some sparring sessions already.
At any rate, I have had more success grunting and " the can" than rattling. So, I am taking everyones tips on rattling.
For grunting, I like to grunt a few times, and wait....and repeat about 10 mintues later. The bucks never seem to run in, rather they all walk in cassually trying to sneak a peak at the noise. Some doe urine can usually be the kicker for that buck to come within bow distance.