TIPS FOR SUCCESS
To be consistently successful, the whitetail hunter needs all the advantage he can possibly get in his favor. The three main defenses that he has to overcome are the deer's nose, ears and eyes. The eyes are mot easy and by standing still and wearing camo hats, face masks and gloves, etc., you can defeat them. The ears are a bit harder, but again, by standing still and reproducting the sounds that are most common, appealing and challenging to the deer (grunts, bleats, snorts and fight sounds of the whitetail) you can increase the chance of seeing your trophy up close. The last and hardest to deal with is the nose, but by using soaps, sprays, scent eliminator, buck urine, doe-in-heat urine, cover and masking scents, you can confuse and defeat his best defense.
WHEN TO GRUNT
Bucks grunt when they are looking for, trailing or fighting over a doe in heat. Therefore, grunters should be used during the fall (rut) breeding season. When a buck hears the grunt he will think another buck is in his area and will come to investigate. Saying the word "urk" silently about one second in length will get the rutting grunt sound. Make three grunts then wait 30 minutes and repeat.
BLEAT CALLING
Bleat calling works on both bucks and does at all times of the year, especially during the early fall season. From the time a buck sheds the velvet from his antlers he is capable of breeding. At that time he is constantly checking out the does, anticipating the rut that is to come. Both the bucks and does will check out the bleat sound to see (who, why and where) the source. Just say the word "ahhh" silently. Each bleat should be three seconds in length. Make two or three bleats every 30 minutes.
CALLING AND RATTLING
Most deer when responding to a call or rattling will approach from the downwind side. Eliminating or covering human odor is a MUST. Calling near dawn or dusk is the best time. Calling near bedding, feedings or breeding areas is also good. The use of doe or buck urine also helps in calling or rattling situations. Do not call too loud or too long. |
