Best rattling time is the late pre rut.. the bucks are cruising but thers very few does in estrous. they respond really well. i start off light on my first sequence and then get loud..mix in with grunts for realism...i prefer real antlers, i use a 140" set...i carry a rattle bag in my day pack when the antlers are too bulky to carry..

slayer

My best success comes during the seek phase of the rut (Mid to late October). Once the chase phase and breeding phase (November) start it gets alot harder , especially if a buck is already doggin a doe. I have rattled in bucks in November and December by using a good grunt call and doe bleet in the sequence as well.