Originally Posted By: Double-D-Team
 Originally Posted By: bowriter
If I can find it in my archaic filing system, I'll try and post the paper I did on deer antler engagement and social aspects that are involved.


Thanks John, I think it would help to get a little educated on the subject. I like others...When is the best time???


The opening day of bow season or anytime the bucks are still in bachelor groups. I have rattled 10X as many bucks the first three weeks of bow season than any other times combined. And I would guess 50% were in the afternoon. But the bigger bucks were brought in the morning during the first 90 minutes of daylight.
Second choice is pre-rut and then I increase volume and use real antlers.

I have had only scattered success with "hard" rattling and then only when I actually see bucks chasing does. Once the rut peaks, rattling is almost useless. Once the rut is over, I leave the horns and calls at home.
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Constipation has ruined many a good day. Not as many as stupidity, though.