I went out last night and saw my buddy, Mr. 10-pointer, across the field. Earlier in the summer he was on my side of the field so that's where I put my stand now I don't know whether to move my stand over there or to try and get him to come across the field with rattling and a decoy. I don't want to scare him but I don't think he'll be coming to the field in day light too much longer. He was alone too by the way, is it too early for the bucks to be splitting up?

So my question is when do you think would be a good time to start rattling in Maryland? Or if there are any other suggestions I would appreciate them.

Thanks.

When the bucks start fighting then rattling begins to start working. If the bucks are chasing does, they are sparring/fighting. Beyond that I don't have a date to start rattling.


Greg

"Getting close to the game is the joy of Bowhunting for me, the harvest is a bonus."

Live 15 ft Python after eating a small Antelope!

Well im from maryland and I notice that the rut usually starts the end of oct. to the second week of nov. so I would rattle around this time. also might wanna bye a grunt if you dont already have one

I am right next to you in calvert co. If that buck has a spread of 24 or more inches, I will be happy to come check out the property and I'll even show you where my stand is and you can even help me drag him out. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>.

He probably moved to the other side of the field because he knows you put your stand up. I have seen bachelor groups still together in early Oct in the beanfields. If he was alone he could be the best buck around. I would not rattle now or you will never see that buck. The bucks might start to do some sparring now but it is just pushing each other. Some still have velvet as of today.

Smokyghost is right. Save your rattling for the last week of Oct. In MD most of the does will get bred the first 2 weeks of Nov.

Try to get that buck now because he might be far away when the rut starts and we are getting a good white oak acorn drop and that might draw him away from the fields.