Author Topic: Too early to Rattle? (Read 337 times)

GANDGOLF · « **on:** October 05, 2012, 09:56:00 AM »

Is it too early to rattle? I live in Texas. Just got a new lease last week. I haven't scouted all of it yet. The temps here are mid 60's-mid 80's. Today a cool front is moving down. Headed for the lease in about 2 hrs.

Kamm1004 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 05, 2012, 10:38:00 AM »

I'm no expert, but from what i've read/heard, no it isn't. The bucks right now should be still in bachelor groups or just breaking up from bachelor groups and are trying to establish their territories and pecking orders before the rut, therefore they might spar lightly. Don't over do it though. One guy told me that as soon as the velvet is off they are sparring and fighting at least a little.

30coupe · « **Reply #2 on:** October 05, 2012, 10:46:00 AM »

Up here, we have them sparring on the trail cameras, so rattling should work. Keep the duration short though. These aren't all out battles yet, just brief encounters.

cahaba · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2012, 01:06:00 PM »

Our season starts Oct. 15th and I have rattled up deer on opening day. I don't rattle to loud but just tickle the horns together. I really prefer a rattle bag for early season. Also I use the can sparringly.

LITTLEBIGMAN · « **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2012, 01:22:00 PM »

i was thinking this very thing this am. Maybe i'll start carrying the old rattling horns from now on.

PeteA · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2012, 01:43:00 PM »

Might give it a go tomorrow if things are slow in southern zone NY. Temps been really warm 80 today 75 tomorrow but I need to get out!

Jerry Bellmyer · « **Reply #6 on:** October 05, 2012, 04:46:00 PM »

just a little "tickle" or two with the horns...

buckeye_hunter · « **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2012, 07:20:00 PM »

I have friends that have already seen bucks chasing does. If that is genuinely the case, then it is a good time to rattle. This is Ohio and our rut is earlier though.

Good luck and God bless,
Charlie

ArrowAtomik · « **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2012, 08:50:00 PM »

I saw bucks harassing does three weeks ago.

I watched a mild sparring match for 15 minutes from 70 yards early this week. It was fairly friendly for the most part, but I should think a little tickle is good to bring in a curious one.

Feels to me that everything has been early this year. It could be an interesting month.

landman · « **Reply #9 on:** October 05, 2012, 09:38:00 PM »

If I were rattling I wouldn't rattle much. I'm much more in favor of low and soft grunts this time of year and usually only when I have a visual.

I've used grunts to stop and turn bucks that were moving through the woods with their noses to the ground.....especially when I have them upwind of me.

KSshrewman · « **Reply #10 on:** October 05, 2012, 11:34:00 PM »

I've had pretty good luck rattling from about oct 8th thru nov 1st

KSshrewman · « **Reply #11 on:** October 05, 2012, 11:35:00 PM »

I've had pretty good luck rattling from about oct 8th thru nov 1st

LBshooter2 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 05, 2012, 11:42:00 PM »

My opinion is rattle and use decoys and scents. There are a few does who are in estrus now and using scent will bring in a deer, without all the competition. If you thik about it, you have early fawns and late fawns so now til the end of the season I use it all. If you use horns now just make sure you do it sfotly, sparring type of rattle.

TxAg · « **Reply #13 on:** October 05, 2012, 11:44:00 PM »

I'm no expert, but I would think light rattling would be best until after Halloween. After that kick it up with the hardcore rattling and limb thrashing.

Friend · « **Reply #14 on:** October 06, 2012, 02:41:00 AM »

Tickling horns vs. full blown rattling may work all season and can be quite productive during the early season.

A.S. · « **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2012, 06:43:00 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Friend:
Tickling horns vs. full blown rattling may work all season and can be quite productive during the early season.

Agree completely! I have also ha success the first week of Oct using a doe in heat "bleet" can.

GANDGOLF · « **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2012, 07:27:00 PM »

Well, tried a little soft smackdown with the Knight&Hale rattle thingie, No response. I've gotta work next weekend,so I'll try a little more weekend after. I think the wind speed had something to do with it. I don't think they were really ready for the COLD front that pushed through. Went from the mid 80's to the lo 50's. Wind went from 5mph to 15-20mph. Swirling. It's Really fun to try stuff. (Hunting from a ground blind). Fantastic fun !!!

GANDGOLF · « **Reply #17 on:** October 10, 2012, 10:24:00 AM »

Couldn't swear ,but , I believe the 8pt.That came in on my pardner, heard me doing a soft, brief clash and turn. And he was setup 200yds away.(down wind).

Montanawidower · « **Reply #18 on:** October 10, 2012, 11:06:00 AM »

Yep, another vote for tickling the horns. Couldn't hurt in my book.
Jeff

SheltonCreeker · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2012, 04:41:00 PM »

I heard some light sparring the other night with some mild shoving. Not a full blown fight but real light. I'm thinking the tickling thing would work. Just my 2 cents.


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Author Topic: Too early to Rattle? (Read 337 times)

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