Then had it call in deer a few times, but I'm convinced, 100%, that it called in the 9pt I shot last year. Good call the extinguisher.
I do like the can as well and the primos roar grunt. but, based on last year, I only need the extinguisher now.
Thanks again Moons :)
I noticed a large increase in the amount of sightings from my stand by not using any type of call. I don’t know if it had to do with the deer density numbers in the areas I hunted or just the fact of not alerting them to the fact there was a sick deer up a tree!!!!!
Over the course of time I would have to say I have only had a call / rattle work a handful of times. These were on smaller bucks who I think were just curious as to what was going on. The few times I have grunted to try and get the attention of a mature buck that was not coming my way resulted in complete failure !!! He would either run to the hills or turn tail and bolt for a few yards and stop. Maybe over calling on my part, also within 70 or so yds I will never give a grunt or challenge again. I feel they already know what is there and if something doesn’t sound right they are gone
This year there will be not a peep out of me in my stand unless it’s a new area and I don’t plan on going back again. New set ups with no action I will do a go for broke attitude at the end and pray that I find the one deer that is in the mood
Just my .02 take it for what it’s worth. If I actually knew what I was talking about I would put a monster on the wall every year. Lol
Several years ago in a land far away. ( one hour drive) . I brought a friend for a bow hunt. (Happens to be where I am now hunting full time) I was just getting over a cold and had that vicious "tickle-cough" that there is no stopping. I thought a cough drop would do the trick... It didn't.
I was doing well for a while and then, just as that magic hour was approaching it began. I was turning blue trying to suppress it. Then it got out. I was thinking that the only thing that it could remotely sound like in the deer world is a short wheeze or some twisted deer sex so I followed up each fit with a sad sounding grunt noise and a doe bleat. What could I do? I covered my mouth with my hood, hacked a bit and then gave a low bellow and a bleat. I waited, sneezed, hacked, coughed and then again with the sounds ... crap.
My hunting buddy was only about 80 yards away but had a good view to the action. In came a nice 9 point Buck ( estimated at about 125-130" and big bodied ) Along came a mature Doe from the other direction and followed by a younger buck and a small doe behind them. I barely saw the movement but couldn't tell what it was. He had the right spot.
Maybe it's not so much that sound doesn't work (Especially when they get worked up) but that they come in from far enough away that we don't always see them. So, unless you can throw your voice, think about having a second person coughing and hacking in a tree, just up the trail a bit...
I learned a couple of lessons that day.
No need to stop drinking, it may be an attractant. But have a friend do the belching and other hangover side effects while you sit sober in your stand... Be about 75 (our average) yards from where you want them to be and still be in your stand as well. You could play the trumpet, sneeze, cough, puke or fart a lullaby ... they don't give a sh*t, so long as there is food or sex. And just for kicks bring your weapon. Thank you, Buddha.
What about 'activated charcoal? Biscuit cutter broadheads? Deer cocaine? As Will said, there's a sucker born every minute. Lol
That being said, I love calling deer in almost as much as I love calling turkey. My favorite calls are open reeds where you use your teeth to lengthen or shorten the reed instead of an o-ring. Way easier to make bawls & bellows.
I like to switch to a can inside my pocket when they get close so there's less movement.
Rattling? Nothing beats puppet rattling...2 sets of real antlers tied to a rope running from ground to tree. Lift up and drop the antlers to the ground imitates the pawing and stomping, the antlers bang off brush, and when you lift them again they all swing together and crash like the bucks fighting. Best of all worlds. You can make one holy racket with this and all the sound comes from ground level.
