Jordan-CMU asked:
This is my second year bowhunting in Michigan. I have used calls quite a bit now and have had a lot of success in mid season with a doe grunt. I have heard that I may be able to call bigger bucks with a buck grunt. What is the best way to call in bucks at the beginning of archery deer season? Thanks.
Here bucky, Come on, you won’t feel a thing.
Just kidding, Good luck. I hope you get a monster.
You might try rattling him up with a set of old antlers.
THAT S GOING TO DEPEND ON WHEN THE RUT STARTS AS OPPOSED TO WHEN THE SEASON STARTS
IF THEY ARE GOING FULL BLOWN RATTLING WORKS
DEFINITELY A BUCK GRUNT WILL DO IT IF THINGS ARE MOVING ALONG
BE SURE NOT TO SOUND TO BIG AND AGGRESSIVE AS YOU MAY INTIMIDATE SOME OF THE SATTELITE BUCKS FROM COMING IN TO A BIG BAD BUCK
if you feel you need to call in early bow season, use fawn bleat or grunt call.
the best call by far during the pre-rut is the rattle…bucks are in the competition phase now and are setting up the dominance hierarchy…if a monster is in your area, he’s going to want to defend his turf against any encroachers…you might also want to mix in a little grunting now and then to enhance the effect…good luck!
Most calls will not work until the pre-rut, as they (deer) are only focused on food. Just before the pre-rut begins light rattling (sparring) or fawn bleats will work.Once the pre-rut is swinging you will have your best luck with calling (grunts, rattling, and estrous bleats). I use the beginning of the season to find out where the does like to hang out, as the bucks will follow once the rut starts.