Questions about a deer call...

[K. Mogensen]

So I went roving today. Had a blast too. But I saw glimpses of about 30 mule deer, all running AWAY. I became curious, what if I got a call? Nothing fancy, just a call. The thing is, I've never called before and no nothing about them. Do they only work in the rut? Or would I be able to take a grunt or bleat out to the woods now and call a deer in? Are they deer specific? I mean, do you need a mule deer call for mule deer, or white tail deer call for white tails? Also, which is the best all around call, grunt, bleat, or rattling antlers. I only want to get one, not a combo. And last, do these even work? I'm not looking to call deer in to shoot them, I just want to get a better look and have some fun. Sorry for the ignorance, just had an idea is all... Thanks!

[Ryan Rothhaar]

The only thing I've ever seen actually work that convinced me was the ELK Company mule deer call - like a rubber band stretched between plastic flat pieces.  Makes a "fawn in distress" type bleat.  I saw a couple of mulie does called virtually into a garage with one of these in October in MT one time.  If I had a mulie doe tag out west I'd get one, tho I've heard the deer usually come on the run and leave as fast, but lots of excitement and action.  

Around here our highly pressured whitetails generally vamoose when they hear a deer call.  There are folks tooting on grunt calls and banging horns together from the 1st of Oct to the middle of Jan around here - kind of like the way pressured elk respond to bugles.  I think the average buck around here has heard more fake grunts and fights than he ever hears real ones.  I threw away all my deer calls years ago.  Whitetails that see less hunter pressure may respond differently.


R

[Ryan Rothhaar]

[K. Mogensen]

These deer have never been hunted. They're on some private farm land that I have access to walk on. I don't hunt it though. I do bowfish on it...

[mikeineugene]

I have had very good results using the Primos "can" bleat call.My experience has been all with Blacktails but i know some other hunters who use them for Mule deer as well.The "can" is very easy to use even if you have never used one before since all you do is plug one end with your finger and turn it up side down.This call works for Does and Bucks.

[K. Mogensen]

Someone just brought to my attention that if someone were to catch me with a deer call and a bow, even if tipped with blunts, I could be arrested or something. Think maybe it would be a good idea to stay away. It was just a thought...

[mikeineugene]

If you are concerned about wether or not it is legal just take a camera and call.Any time spent observing wildlife is worthwhile.

[JDL]

The Buckroar is awesome! Specifically the snort wheeze function. When you are spotted by a deer, blow into the snort wheeze and they will magically stop, even from a sprint, turn around and walk back. I've only done it 3 times...but I'm 3 for 3.