LAST UPDATED: September 18th, 2024
To start things off, let’s talk about rattling deer. Is it too early to rattle? It’s mid-October, and we’re smack in the middle of the October lull, right?
Many hunters mistakenly think that deer don’t move during the month of October, much less respond to calling. But this is not the case. It’s all about location at this time of year.Â
You have to get in tighter to their bed if you want to see the activity you’re looking for. And the same goes for calling. The sound of your call has to fall on the ears of a buck to incite a response. You have to call closer to the bedding area or wherever bucks spend their time.
Why Early Season Rattling Works
While some hunters would say mid-October is too early to call, I personally start employing my antler-rattling tactics at this time.
Bucks will begin sparring and fighting with one another as soon as they shed their velvet. Rattling is meant to simulate the sound of two bucks fighting, and that almost always gets the attention of other bucks who happen to be within earshot.
With each passing day of September and early-to-mid October, bucks testosterone levels increase, which makes them more attentive to the sounds of rattling antlers.
November will find bucks hanging tighter to receptive does and less likely to inspect a fight. Rattling in October draws bucks out of curiosity.
Like us, they are ramping up for the rut and eager to check out the action as it unfolds. A light tickle of the tines can be enough to draw a buck close to your stand during the early season.
It's Not Too Early
On my last two afternoon sits, October 13th and 15th, I encountered bucks fighting. I heard the first fight before I saw it. It was nothing more than a distant crack of antler tines, but it was enough to catch my attention.
I quickly rubbernecked from my treestand and saw two bucks across the field, pushing and shoving one another. It was a fairly aggressive fight that lasted nearly a minute.
The bucks grunted, clashed horns and sent mud and corn stubble flying. It was a pretty cool show. AÂ similar experience came a few nights later when I watched another pair of bucks square off.
Again, it was more than just a friendly shoving match between these two. They were obviously determined to establish who the boss truly was.
In both situations, other deer responded to the sounds of these fights. Both bucks and does came to check things out.
In both fights, multiple bucks responded to the fighting sounds, including a shooter 8-pointer that popped out and kept an eye on what was going on.
We all love a good fight. Deer are no different. Now is the time to start making a little noise in the deer woods. If you’re in the right spot and the wind is in your favor, tickle the tines and see if you can push a curious buck to make a move toward your stand.
The beauty of calling deer is that it allows you the chance to make something happen rather than simply hoping and praying for the action to unfold. Make it happen with calling deer this season. It’s not too early to rattle!
