To preface: This is not directed at anyone or intended to be any kind of expert advice.
So, I have been pondering this question a lot and as many folks in different areas seem to see the rut approaching or already arriving the rattling horns are coming out strong. What is your opinion on the question(s) below?
1. Is rattling a good deer hunting tactic that is often over used and maybe even worse, used when it should not be?
In my opinion, the answer is yes but I know that MANY countless factors contribute to the validity or invalidity to this statement. Factors that affect deer, hunting conditions, rutting conditions.
1. Time of year:
- I think too many people try to use rattling horns as an attractant at the wrong time of year and far too often. Deer are naturally curious animals so on occasion, YES, some people do rattle up bucks in early fall or other times of the year. However, for the intended purpose the means of rattling should be saved for the heaviest part of the rut when bucks are actively seeking does in estrus.
2. Weather:
- I have seen little correlation with temperature but I do believe two things make a big difference. (1) Wind- if it is very windy it can be difficult to get the sound to carry out. If it is not windy enough you can be more susceptible to getting busted by a wary animal.
3. Time of Day:
- I almost never rattle in the afternoon. In fact, I would prefer to not rattle after 11 AM or so depending on the conditions. I have had my best experiences in the early morning and mid-morning after a major feed. I have had some success rattling bucks at mid-day in South Texas.
4. Deer Density/Population:
- I think this is by far the most important and most crucial determining factor in rattling bucks. If over density is an issue in an area then I believe rattling is much less effective. Competition is driven down and response to rutting conditions are less substantial. Also, buck:doe ratio is a major factor. More does:Less bucks mean less competition and less rutting activity. In fact, often times I think the "rut" is drug out over several weeks to multiple months as does come in and out of estrus in some areas. This makes it very hard to determine is and when to rattle. On the flip side of this is less populated parts of the country where sex ratios are kept in check naturally I see deer a very respondent to rattling and a more defined rutting period can be identified.
5. Strategy/Location:
- I never rattle from inside of a box blind. I think it is important to be close to the ground and in the open air to avoid muffling sound and/or echoing. YOU MUST PLAY THE WIND!!! I have rattled bucks up from down wind as have many folks but I still think it is important to try and set yourself up to rattle deer from up or cross wind. Do not rattle in an area where you can see over an extended area. Sure, you can if you have no choice but you might very well be missing deer who do not break into the open area you are in. This results in a missed opportunity and also educates a deer unseen to the noise you are making. I think that is very important. I try to get above the area I anticipate a deer will come from and stay upwind. Be prepared to shoot and make sure everything is ready before you begin to rattle. Move as little as possible and keep your eyes and ears open!
If you are to rattle year round and/or very frequently I believe you over-saturate the woods with a natural or maybe not so natural sound (depending on how you rattle). Mature deer will begin to learn that the sound is unnatural and possibly even begin to avoid it. (this is speculation but I believe it to be true)
This was long winded but I have spent a lot of time pondering if it is just me or if other folks observe these same things. Also, I wonder if I am along in thinking that rattling should be kept as a secret weapon until the timing and conditions are absolutely perfect. As you can gather from above I think this allows you to be more effective in rattling and it also mitigates mature deer becoming conditioned to the reproduced noise of fighting.
Let's hear what the experts have to say!
Thanks,
ac
So, I have been pondering this question a lot and as many folks in different areas seem to see the rut approaching or already arriving the rattling horns are coming out strong. What is your opinion on the question(s) below?
1. Is rattling a good deer hunting tactic that is often over used and maybe even worse, used when it should not be?
In my opinion, the answer is yes but I know that MANY countless factors contribute to the validity or invalidity to this statement. Factors that affect deer, hunting conditions, rutting conditions.
1. Time of year:
- I think too many people try to use rattling horns as an attractant at the wrong time of year and far too often. Deer are naturally curious animals so on occasion, YES, some people do rattle up bucks in early fall or other times of the year. However, for the intended purpose the means of rattling should be saved for the heaviest part of the rut when bucks are actively seeking does in estrus.
2. Weather:
- I have seen little correlation with temperature but I do believe two things make a big difference. (1) Wind- if it is very windy it can be difficult to get the sound to carry out. If it is not windy enough you can be more susceptible to getting busted by a wary animal.
3. Time of Day:
- I almost never rattle in the afternoon. In fact, I would prefer to not rattle after 11 AM or so depending on the conditions. I have had my best experiences in the early morning and mid-morning after a major feed. I have had some success rattling bucks at mid-day in South Texas.
4. Deer Density/Population:
- I think this is by far the most important and most crucial determining factor in rattling bucks. If over density is an issue in an area then I believe rattling is much less effective. Competition is driven down and response to rutting conditions are less substantial. Also, buck:doe ratio is a major factor. More does:Less bucks mean less competition and less rutting activity. In fact, often times I think the "rut" is drug out over several weeks to multiple months as does come in and out of estrus in some areas. This makes it very hard to determine is and when to rattle. On the flip side of this is less populated parts of the country where sex ratios are kept in check naturally I see deer a very respondent to rattling and a more defined rutting period can be identified.
5. Strategy/Location:
- I never rattle from inside of a box blind. I think it is important to be close to the ground and in the open air to avoid muffling sound and/or echoing. YOU MUST PLAY THE WIND!!! I have rattled bucks up from down wind as have many folks but I still think it is important to try and set yourself up to rattle deer from up or cross wind. Do not rattle in an area where you can see over an extended area. Sure, you can if you have no choice but you might very well be missing deer who do not break into the open area you are in. This results in a missed opportunity and also educates a deer unseen to the noise you are making. I think that is very important. I try to get above the area I anticipate a deer will come from and stay upwind. Be prepared to shoot and make sure everything is ready before you begin to rattle. Move as little as possible and keep your eyes and ears open!
If you are to rattle year round and/or very frequently I believe you over-saturate the woods with a natural or maybe not so natural sound (depending on how you rattle). Mature deer will begin to learn that the sound is unnatural and possibly even begin to avoid it. (this is speculation but I believe it to be true)
This was long winded but I have spent a lot of time pondering if it is just me or if other folks observe these same things. Also, I wonder if I am along in thinking that rattling should be kept as a secret weapon until the timing and conditions are absolutely perfect. As you can gather from above I think this allows you to be more effective in rattling and it also mitigates mature deer becoming conditioned to the reproduced noise of fighting.
Let's hear what the experts have to say!
Thanks,
ac
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