Deer Hunting Tips-Variables For Rattling Success
The use of rattling antlers while deer hunting can be an effective way to improve on success. There are certain variables that come into play.
Deer Ratio
At the top of the list is the ratios between bucks and does. If there are considerably more does than there are bucks, rattling can be less effective. The bucks do not have to be very aggressive in seeking out does. Rarely in these over populated doe areas do buck fights even occur. Since rattling is the hunters attempt at mock fighting, it will be less productive in these areas. That’s not to say it won’t work, just with fewer results. The closer the buck to doe ratio, the better the results.
Timing
The next variable has to do with timing. The rutting periods (pre rut, peak rut, post rut) are considered the most productive times of the deer hunting season for using rattling techniques. Hunters should spend as much time in the woods during these primary periods. A set of antlers to rattle will only improve deer sightings.
Location
The final variable has to do with location. Obviously the hunter must be in an area that holds a fair amount of bucks. But the set up location is key here. Hunters need to be in an area that provides enough cover for bucks to feel secure enough to respond. The area should also be open enough for the hunter to be able to see a buck that is slipping in.
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Deer Hunting Tips-When To Rattle
There has been much written over the years as to when is the best time to rattle while deer hunting. The reality is that deer will respond to rattling throughout the season. There are however three primary periods that will generally produce the most action. These are the pre rut, peak rut, and post rut periods.
Pre Rut Rattling
During the pre rut period, bucks are switching from a feeding mind set to breeding mind set. Rattling during the pre rut can draw a variety of aged bucks. Young and middle aged deer will be drawn by curiosity. The older and mature bucks will respond out of an aggressive or more dominant behavior.
Peak Rut Rattling
Rattling during the peak rut period will often draw in the middle aged bucks. These bucks are simply trying to take advantage of nature. Mature bucks are already with and tending to receptive does. They are less likely to respond unless challenged. A less dominant buck will respond in an attempt to steal the doe from the fighting mature buck.
Post Rut Rattling
Rattling during the post rut period can produce quality middle aged bucks. But it can also draw in a mature buck that is searching for the last remaining receptive does to breed. This time period is often over looked by hunters. However, it can be one of the most effective times of the season for harvesting a mature buck.
Time Of Day
Rattling from an hour after sunrise up to about 11:00 am is probably going to be the best time of day. Late evening hours will be second. Midday hours will usually be least productive.
The key to successful rattling is focusing on these three primary periods of deer hunting.
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Deer Hunting Tips-Hard Knocks Rattling
An aggressive approach to deer hunting can at times improve sightings. Rattling for deer is one such method. There is no big secret here. Rattling while deer hunting is a form of calling. It can be done throughout the season.
How To Rattle
There are several different methods to rattling that can be used. Soft rattle techniques will work but are considered less aggressive. To really reach out for distance, give hard knocks rattling a try.
This method requires larger, thicker, and louder style antlers. Simply smack the antlers together with force and rotate the tines together to produce a lot of volume. Use the following sequences.
- Rattle for one minute, then wait for ten minutes.
- Rattle for two minutes, then wait for ten minutes.
- Rattle for three minutes, then wait for ten minutes.
Make sure to sit still and be very quiet during the waiting periods. Also be alert for any deer movements. After 30-60 minutes of sequences with no response, it is probably best to relocate.
Best Times To Rattle
Rattling works all season. Sure there will be times that are better than others. But deer will respond to rattling from September through January. Now normally October, November, and December will provide a higher rate of success. These are considered the more productive times. The month of October is a pre rut period. November is a peak rut period. December is a post rut period. Obviously this will fluctuate from state to state.
The key here is use rattling tactics during these primary deer hunting periods. Be more aggressive and increase the sightings of deer.
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4 Bow And Arrow Tips
Bow And Arrow Fit
The main factor in maintaining accuracy and consistency from bow and arrows is making sure that each are correctly fitted to the individual archer.
The best practice in obtaining this goal is to visit a professional archery shop. There, one can be measured for draw length which is the key ingredient for proper fit.
Once the draw length is determined, make sure the bow to be used or purchased matches this measurement. A very common mistake is to buy a bow with a draw length that is too long.
The arrows need to be cut to proper lengths according to draw measurements. The arrow weights and stiffness should be matched to bow poundage.
Bow Speed And Poundage
It is very easy to get caught up in all the speed hype of bows. This can also be a problem with bow poundage. The reality is that accuracy, form, and shooter performance will always trump speed and poundage.
It is not necessary to have the fastest shooting bow on the market nor to have a bow with an eighty pound pull weight. It is better to have a bow that can easily be drawn under all conditions. For the average hunter this falls in the 50-65 pound range.
Shooting Consistency
The key to consistent accuracy is repetition of proper shooting form. This can be broken down into shooter stance, holding the bow correctly, a smooth draw, consistent anchor point, proper aiming, a smooth release, and follow through.
These are all learned habits. Done correctly they will make any archer more proficient. Most all shooting errors are related to improper shooter form.
Bow Practice
The only way to become proficient with the bow is through continued practice. Shooting three times a week is a good goal to meet. This can be done by shooting 25 arrows or so every other day. This keeps the archer in shape as well as helps maintain consistency.
Those that practice all year long will have an edge, but at the very least begin 4-5 months before the hunting season.
Scent Free Deer Hunting
The following is a plan for scent free deer hunting.
Supplies
- Rubber gloves
- Scent fighting spray
- Scent free soap,body wash, and shampoo
- Scent free deodorant
- Scent free detergent
- Scent free dryer sheets
- Large scent free storage bags
- Scent wafers
- Odor free body wipes
- Scent wicks
- Odorless or fresh earth cover scent
Odor Free Plan
1. Always wear rubber gloves when handling gear.
2. Wash towels and wash cloths to be used on deer hunting dates in scent free detergent. Place in dryer with scent free dryer sheets. Store in odor free storage bags until needed.
3. Wash all hunting garments in scent free detergent. Place in dryer along with dryer sheets. Once dried, hang outside and spray inside and out with scent fighting spray. Allow to dry. Place in storage bags along with a scent wafer.
4. Use scent fighting spray on boots interior and exterior. Dry outside. Place in storage bag with scent wafer.
5. On day of deer hunt, shower with scent free soap, body wash, and shampoo. Use previously prepared towel and wash cloths. Apply scent free deodorant afterwards.
6. Spray all gear and equipment with scent fighting spray. This includes anything to be used in the field.
7. When ever possible, dress in the field. Use body wipes for touch ups. Apply scent fighting spray to each layer of clothing. Wear rubber gloves while dressing and until in the deer stand or blind.
8. Upon arrival at the deer hunting stand or blind, set out scent wicks filled with cover scent in a circle around the site. Reapply scent fighting spray to outer garments. Attach a scent wafer to cap or other clothing.
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Aggressive Scrape Deer Hunting
Deer hunting near a scrape line can be advantageous at times. To improve on such hunting, take a more aggressive approach. This plan can be used during the early rut and late rut periods.
Supplies
- Rubber gloves
- Scent killing spray
- Quality string or fishing line
- Buck urine spray
- Doe in estrus urine
- Scent wicks
- Scent drippers
- Tree clippers
Preparation
Locate a heavily used travel area used by the deer. An area that already has one or more scrapes is alright but not necessary. The main idea is for the area to be active. A funnel leading from bedding areas to feeding areas are good choices.
If The Area Has Scrapes
1. Use a scent killing spray on clothing, boots, and all supplies.
2. Wear rubber gloves.
3. Fill scent drippers with doe in estrus urine.
4. Attach a scent dripper above each scrape that will be visible from stand locations.
5. Spray buck urine on any limbs that hang over the scrapes.
6. On the day of the hunt, place scent wicks filled with doe in estrus urine on limbs or on the ground in a circle surrounding the stand location. The wicks should be 10-20 yards from the stand with a clear shooting lane.
7. Remember to take wind directions into consideration when setting up stands.
Areas Without Scrapes
1. Use a stick to make several mock scrapes in a directional line along the area to be hunted. The scrapes can be 10-25 yards apart depending upon visibility.
2. Use clippers to cut holly tree or other type limbs that bucks commonly use in the area. This is to be placed above the mock scrape as an over hanging scent limb. Use the string or fishing line to secure.
3. Use steps 1-7 in the previous section.
This plan will allow the hunter to have better control when hunting on a scrape line. By taking an aggressive approach, the odds of success can be increased.
3 Concealment Tips
There is more to deer hunting than finding the right stand locations. In many cases, locating deer activity is the easy part. The problem many hunters forget to account for is proper concealment when approaching or exiting stand areas. This mistake can be the difference in success or failure.
Scent Control
When travelling to stand locations, make sure to take actions that will reduce leaving your scent in the area. Use scent control products to minimize odors. Don’t touch anything in the woods with bare hands. Walk in areas that do not rub against or come in contact with clothing. Wear rubber boots or boots that have scent control products built in.
Noise Control
Walking by itself creates noise. To help with this, the hunter needs to wear clothing that is naturally quiet to reduce noise. Use a stop and go process while walking slowly to the deer hunting area. Avoid walking in areas too thick for travel. Use trails that provide easy and quiet access. If the terrain does not offer a quiet approach, allow extra time and move at a slow pace.
Travel Routes
Picking the right travel routes to and from hunting locations is also important. Whenever possible, walk in directions that will approach the hunting areas directly across from or at an angle from any deer routes. Try to avoid walking parallel with or in the actual deer trails. This may require taking a longer route but will be beneficial in the long run.
By finding and using better travel routes, using proper scent control, and reducing noise, the chances for success are greatly improved.
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Deer Rattling Tips
Rattling offers the hunter an aggressive approach to deer hunting. Rattling can add excitement on days when the woods are quiet. The following are tips for learning how to rattle for deer.
Equipment
Shed antlers or antlers removed from harvested deer can be used for rattling. The antlers don’t have to be giant sized but rather comfortable to fit in the hand and have at least two tines on each. There are also synthetic antlers, rattle bags, and other products that are just as effective. Comfort and ease of use should be the determining factors.
Practice
The best way to learn how to rattle is by watching videos of other hunters in the field. There are also training videos available. Use this knowledge to practice and become proficient with the tools of the trade. The more time spent practicing the more comfortable one will be when using rattling tactics.
Position And Set Up
Rattling can be done from the ground or from a tree stand. Ground positions allow the hunter good concealment and the ability to move more frequently if desired. The tree stand often can provide a wider field of view and cover longer distances.
Regardless of what approach is used, the keys to success are concealment, being able to see in all directions, and hunting in areas that are most likely to hold deer. Another important factor is to see the deer before being seen.
Set up should be made in areas that provide a good field of view but also provide natural cover. Deer are more likely to respond to such areas as opposed to wide open places. The cover also allows the hunter more movement without being detected.
When To Rattle
The pre rut period is generally considered the best times of the season for rattling. Bucks are more likely to respond in preparation for the rut. However, the early or late seasons can also occasionally provide responses. It does not hurt to experiment throughout the deer hunting season.
Rattling Tips
Start out by softly rattling for a few seconds and then wait a few minutes to see if any deer are in the area and will respond. Afterwards, increase the volume of impact and aggressiveness slightly for 30-60 seconds. Wait 15-30 minutes and repeat. It is not necessary to rattle extremely loud unless focusing on deer from a long distance away or during windy day conditions that reduce noise.
After each sequence, glass the area with binoculars. Pay attention to any responses by the deer. Some deer may walk or run right in while others may sneak in. There may also be deer that run away from rattling.
As with any deer hunting situation, the use of scent control products as well as having a favorable wind direction is important. Experiment with different rattling sequences to see what works best in your area.
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Late Season Deer Hunting
Deer hunting during the late season is often considered less successful by many hunters. The logic is that the early seasons and the rutting periods are the best times for hunting. However, it is important to remember that there will be deer left over from the previously mentioned times and some of them will be mature bucks.
There are a couple of keys to finding success during the late season. The first is being able to find high quality food sources. These may be in the form of field crops or man made food plots. The deer will be seeking out these areas to replenish their bodies from the rutting periods as well as to make it through the winter months. Finding the high energy foods will result in locating the deer.
The next key is finding isolated areas or areas that have not had a lot of pressure put on the deer. Often this requires the hunter to move deeper into the property away from normal hunting locations. However, another suggestion would be to maintain farms or other areas that are to be hunted only during the late season. This way the areas are fresh for the last few weeks of the season.
By locating or maintaining late season food sources and hunting isolated or places that have not been pressured, the hunter improves on the chances of harvesting a late season deer.
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