I wasn't sure if this topic was covered yet or not, but has anyone used a rattle bag before and if so what did you think about it? Did it work? Should I buy one? Thanks!!

Bowhunter30, if you don't own one or a pair or rattle antlers, yes, by all means purchase on or the other. AT times, they can be very effective. The key is to use them at the right time. I personally rely on the grunt tube rather than rattling however, there has been times in the past that although the buck registered he heard me, didn't come, and then I added some light sparing with the horns and it tripped him into coming in. Prior to me caring antlers, I carried a rattle bag and I had some good reactions from it. I perfer the real antlers to get the volume if needed.

Again, if you don't own a call, buy that before the rattle bag. IMO

<font color=blue>Good Luck and Good Shooting</font id=blue>

<font color=red>Rob</font id=red>

BOWHUNTER30, I CARRY BOTH A RATTLE BAG AND A SET OF HORNS. HERE IS THE REASON.

IN THE EARLY SEASON I RATTLE MORE THAN GRUNTING. IN EARLY OCTOBER I RATTLE GENTLY TO CREATE A LIGHT SPARRING EFFECT. LAER IN THE SEASON I INCREASE THE VOLUME TO CREATE DEFINITE COMPETITION. NOW THE REASON I CARRY BOTH. IT TAKES TWO HANDS TO RATTLE WITH ANTLERS. GRANTED THE EFFECT IS BETTER BUT SOMETIMES THE MOVEMENT MADE BY USING BOTH ARMS AND HANDS WILL BE PICKED UP BY THE DEER. IF THERE IS A LOT OF ACTION I WILL USE RATTLE BAG TO LIMIT MOTION. YOU CAN MAKE EXCELLENT SOUNDS USING ONE HAND ROLLING IT ON YOUR LEG.

WELL HOPE THIS HELPS

HUNT ON

I agree with the others. A rattling bag is highly effective at times. The bags are a whole lot more convenient for bowhunters and when the deer are within sight, so you can limit movement. I have rattling horns, but never use them. They are just so big and bulky, that they become a little inconvenient for bowhunting.

I bought a rattle bag 2 years ago for the following reasons: it was MUCH easier to carry in (in my fanny pack) and made no noise getting to my hunting height; the small 8 point rack I was using was &quot;tinny&quot; sounding and didn't sound like it had enough points clicking; and I figured I would be less likely to hurt my knuckles with it! It solved those problems, but doesn;t sound as good in the woods as it did while I was &quot;test driving&quot; it in the store. It also sounds like too many points are hitting each other---kinda like a pair of 40 pointers going at it!!

Today's small bucks are tomorrow's trophies.

instead of buying one do what i did and buy some oak dowel rod from menards and get a mesh bag to put it in. i believe i used 5/8 dowel and flattened it on 2 sides on belt sander and varied the lengths by a inch or so, sounds just as good as store bought for about a third of the price.GOOD HUNTING/DEAN

golden eagle

I also carry both. Initially, I carried the bag as a back up in case I forgot or dropped my horns (both of which have been know to happen). It is difficult to get the initial &quot;clash&quot; of horns sound out of the rattle bag without bruising your hand. It is also difficult to get the volume out of the bag that you can with a P & Y set of antlers. That being said the bags are MUCH lighter and much easier to carry, especially if you have a good hike in front of you.

The best part about using a rattle bag is no bloody fingers from being smashed while rattling with a real pair of antlers!!