Hey, I am brand new here, and I really like the site. I was wondering if anyone could give me a tip on calling in bucks with a call (not antlers). Mine can either bleat or grunt, which is better and is there any patterns that work best?

Thank you.

Welcome, all are welcome. Anyway, I have been trying calls but have yet to bring in a deer using one.

Good luck....

Tomster

Bleats and grunts can both be effective. It' s all based on timing, yours and the deer.

Never call to a deer that is already headed in your direction. If they are passing you by out of range and it' s apparent they won' t turn around, then it' s time to call. Let out a soft grunt that you think will be barely audible to a moving deer at the distance. If he cares to hear you he' ll stop and look your way. Blow one more, softer this time, and he' ll come in.

I think calls are great too have and have worked well for me. I can also tell you from experience that they are overused. I now keep mine in my zipped up fanny pack. If I don' t have the time or the ability to get the call out without the deer seeing me, I didn' t need it in the first place.

I rarely " Blind Call" , that is call without first seeing the deer.

Welcome to the board.I dont use them anymore. Seems the suburban Pa .bucks are sissies.when you grunt they run away. I think it is because there are so many doe in this area finding a hot doe is easy and they dont need to compete.Are does are many and very loose

Ive had success with grunting, sometimes they will come in other times they will turn and run.

good luck

Welcome to the site!

I have had a lot of success using calls. Actually, I have tried many calls and only had results with one in particular, but it works great. Never had a buck grunt work for me, but I have had many responses to a doe bleat. Some deer (especially small bucks) will shy away from dominant buck grunts, so I don' t use those. Doe bleat or contact grunts are all I use.

I agree that visual calling is probably the best way to start and then you can judge reaction of deer to particular calls. However blind calling when you hear a deer in a position that won' t warn him(down wind/cross wind) to your location can also be effective. I have actually had the best results with a grunt, but I only use calls when I have a visual or when rattling. Also it should be noted if you see a deer you don' t intend to harvest Don' t call him, deer will pin point your location and if you let him or her bust you it may ruin a chance at what is waiting in the wings. Over calling is a common mistake as is being to aggressive, I would suggest contact grunts or bleats if blind calling and keep your calls spaced out 15-20 minutes apart.

PS Welcome to the board.

welcome. During the rut, i' ll bleat and follow it with about 3 or 4 grunts. Like a buck trailing a doe. Hope this helps, good luck.