question for whitetail experts

[Slickhead]

How far can a deer hear?
I am hunting on a small parcel that borders a place that is home to some nice Bucks.
On my place Im only getting photos of does and fawns.
One 3 point and maybe a button.

About the only time I think I'll see the big boys is during the rut.
Last year had scrapes all over the yard, on one drizzly morning I was at the kitchen table and a nice ten pt walked 35 yards from the back deck.
This year I was going to attempt to call them in, but I was wondering if it will be worth it.
I guess Im wondering how far they can hear an esterous bleat?

[vermonster13]

In two separate studies deer hearing was about as acute as a humans.

[30coupe]

Originally posted by vermonster13:
In two separate studies deer hearing was about as acute as a humans.

I have read that too. The major difference is that deer can move their ears around to more easily locate the direction of sounds.

I have rattled in bucks from 200 to 300 yards, but I have had no reaction to grunts from 30 yards. I also had a doe come in to a grunt call three times...even though she busted me on the first one. She just could not resist the call. It mostly depends on what the deer are listening for. It certainly won't hurt to try. There is no guarantee it will work even if they hear your call.

[Scott E]

Im in a similar situation. Looking forward to hear more responses.

[Knawbone]

If you feel confident the bucks will use the area during day light hours, you are better off picking a good ambush spot. Anytime you call a deer they are looking for the other deer that called. (you)That means they are coming in alert with senses tuned. Not a good thing usually. Your better off drawing on a relaxed deer that doesn't know your there.When it gets near the rut, find the does and you'll find the bucks.Good luck.

[xtrema312]

I didn't know how well they heard.  I thought it was better than us.  I have been thinking at time they were ignoring me. I need to start calling louder at times.

[Gottabow]

I also think that the more unnatural a sound is the quicker they will notice it and respond..usually not in the way we want.  I think it would be like us in a crowd of people..ya here the usual noises but if someone screamed it would grab your attention over everything else...just a thought on the subject.

[VictoryHunter]

Originally posted by vermonster13:
In two separate studies deer hearing was about as acute as a humans.

What he said. The big advantage they have over us though is that they can move their ears independently, this allows them to pinpoint exactly where a sound is coming from. Also they are so tuned in to the sounds of their environment that any unnatural sound is instantly noticed.

[Real Buckmaster]

I think the wiser bucks will be a little call shy around the house. I have about the same scenario. They will stand out there 150yrds and look at the house.

[stick hunter]

Take into consideration when a deer is moving through very dry leaves in the fall this would make a difference also. I always wait until the deer pauses to call.

[Hummer3T]

Not an Expert / And not using studies to back this up but as a whitetail hunter who has rattled in many deer and love watching deer behavior, deer can here my beard scratch on my merino neck gaiter from 30 yards, "I'm sure I can't here that good" their hearing compared to ours has a different range and is way more directional like a parabolic microphone.
I have had deer respond and hear my rattling from over 1 mile away in the best situation, I beleive 400-800 meters would be easy for then on a good day and 100-250 on a bad day.  Rattling (tinkling)is a high frequency like an elk call so it better carries in open country, but the low tones, banging etc. carry very much further in the bush like a red deer roar.  I tinkle to start into an area, once I have waited for 20 min. of longer I try to change it up to lower tones Banging and crashing the antlers together.  Rattling is always worth it, give it a whirl and don't be discouraged if not response, when it happens and one comes worth several days of rattling.  Really listen between rattles and if you hear anything out of place don't rattle you'll give yourself away let the deer (does and buck both will come)try to find you that will help and create your best success.

[Pine]

A Native American saying is > A pine needle fell in the forest ; The Eagle saw it , The deer heard it and The bear smelled it . <

[jonsimoneau]

I've seen studies that say deer can only hear as well as a human. But I don't believe them. Deer have large ears for a reason. To hear better! My guess is that they hear twice as well as we do. Just a guess though.

[Stumpkiller]

Deer can also swivel their ears and isolate sound direction much better than humans.  

If they hear you they are cautious.  If they see you they are suspicious.  If they smell you they are gone.

[Swamp Preacher]

My Whitetail hunting experience is limited to the lowlands in the SE. Deer have remarkable hearing. Before the days of trail cameras we would sit over feed plots into the night to get a flash photo. It you clinked two metal pieces together they would tune in like radar. Bucks would leave. Scratch your hands on a pine tree like a squirrel or raccoon and they would barely take notice. They have keen sense of smell, keen hearing and vision sensitive to movement. Rattling and calling has never worked for me. A doe or fawn bleat might stop a buck but have not had them come towards me.