How to Call and Harvest Early Season Bucks

To successfully call in early season bucks, hunters should familiarize themselves with three main calling techniques: grunt calls, rattling antlers, and doe bleats. Each of these techniques serves a specific purpose and can be used in different situations to entice bucks. Grunt calls are used to mimic the vocalizations of bucks, while rattling antlers simulate the sound of two bucks sparring. Doe bleats, on the other hand, imitate the sounds of a receptive doe, which can be irresistible to a buck during the early season. By understanding when and how to use these calling techniques, hunters can significantly increase their chances of success in the field.

Early season bucks are generally more responsive to calls compared to later in the season. As they are actively seeking to establish their hierarchy and find potential mates, bucks are more curious and willing to investigate the sounds of other deer in their area. This heightened responsiveness makes the early season an ideal time to experiment with calling techniques and attract bucks to your location.

Understanding early season buck behavior is crucial for developing an effective calling strategy. Knowing that bucks are focused on establishing dominance and are more responsive to calls allows hunters to tailor their calling techniques to the situation at hand. For example, using aggressive grunt calls or intense rattling sequences can be highly effective when targeting a mature buck that is likely to respond to a challenge. On the other hand, using softer, more subtle calls may be more appropriate when trying to entice a younger, less experienced buck.

To use a grunt call effectively, hunters must first master the proper technique. Begin by taking a deep breath and then exhaling forcefully into the call, using your diaphragm to control the sound. Practice varying the intensity and duration of your grunts to mimic the different types of vocalizations bucks make. It's essential to be mindful of the volume and frequency of your calls, as overusing grunt calls can quickly become unnatural and alert bucks to your presence.

The type of grunt call you use should be based on the situation and the behavior of the buck you're targeting. Contact grunts are best used sparingly, primarily when you've spotted a buck at a distance and want to pique its curiosity. Tending grunts can be effective when you know a buck is with a doe, as it may lure the buck into investigating a potential rival. Aggressive grunts are most useful during the pre-rut and peak rut when bucks are actively seeking to establish dominance and may be more likely to respond to a challenge.

Rattling antlers is another powerful calling technique that can bring early season bucks within range. There are three main rattling techniques: light rattling, moderate rattling, and aggressive rattling. Light rattling involves gently touching and tickling the antlers together, simulating the sound of two young bucks sparring. Moderate rattling is slightly more intense, with longer, more pronounced clashes that mimic the sound of two evenly matched bucks fighting. Aggressive rattling is characterized by loud, violent clashes and the raking of the antlers on the ground, simulating a full-blown battle between two mature bucks.

The best times to rattle during the early season are typically in the morning and evening hours, when bucks are most active. Rattling can be particularly effective during the pre-rut, as bucks are becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial. It's important to pay attention to wind direction when rattling, as you want to ensure that your scent is not carried directly to the buck you're attempting to lure in.

To create a realistic rattling sequence, begin with light rattling and gradually increase the intensity over the course of 30 seconds to a minute. Incorporate brief pauses and changes in rhythm to mimic the natural ebb and flow of a real fight. Don't be afraid to get creative with your rattling sequence, using different angles and heights to simulate the movement of two bucks locked in combat. Adding in a few grunts and snort-wheezes can also help sell the realism of the fight and entice nearby bucks to investigate.

Doe bleats are a versatile calling technique that can be used throughout the early season to attract bucks. There are two main types of doe bleats: estrus bleats and lost calls. Estrus bleats are the vocalizations made by a doe when she is in heat and receptive to breeding. These bleats are longer, more drawn out, and have a distinct, almost whining quality to them. Lost calls, on the other hand, are the sounds made by a doe when she is separated from her fawn or other deer in her family group. These calls are shorter, more frequent, and have a higher pitch than estrus bleats.

Doe bleats can be an incredibly effective way to lure in early season bucks, particularly as they begin to focus more on finding potential mates. When using estrus bleats, the goal is to convince a buck that there is a receptive doe in the area, which may prompt him to investigate. Lost calls, while not directly related to breeding, can still pique a buck's curiosity and bring him within range. To use doe bleats effectively, hunters should practice reproducing the different vocalizations and experiment with various calling sequences to find what works best in their hunting area.

Doe bleats can be used throughout the early season, but they become increasingly effective as the pre-rut approaches. During the early pre-rut, bucks are beginning to search for does, and the sound of an estrus bleat can be a powerful attractant. As the rut draws closer, bucks become more aggressive and territorial, making them more likely to investigate any potential mating opportunity. Lost calls can be used at any time during the early season, as bucks may be curious enough to investigate the sound of a distressed doe, even if they are not actively seeking a mate.

One of the most powerful strategies for calling in early season bucks is to combine multiple calling techniques. Using grunt calls in conjunction with rattling can create a convincing scenario that will draw bucks in from a distance. Start by rattling to simulate a fight between two bucks, then follow up with a series of aggressive grunts to mimic one of the bucks challenging the other. This combination of sounds can be irresistible to a mature buck looking to assert his dominance.

Doe bleats can also be used in combination with other calling techniques to create a more compelling scenario. For example, hunters can use a series of estrus bleats followed by a light rattling sequence to simulate a buck pursuing a receptive doe. This can be particularly effective during the pre-rut when bucks are actively seeking out potential mates. Another strategy is to use lost calls in combination with contact grunts, creating the illusion of a buck trying to locate a distressed doe.

When combining calling techniques, it's essential to create realistic sequences that mimic natural deer behavior. Pay attention to the timing and spacing of your calls, and avoid overusing any one technique. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 20-30 minutes between calling sequences to avoid sounding unnatural or alerting bucks to your presence. It's also important to adapt your calling strategy based on the response you receive from bucks in the area. If a particular combination of calls seems to be working, stick with it and make minor adjustments as needed.

As with any skill, successful calling requires practice and adaptability. Take the time to master the proper techniques for each type of call, and experiment with different calling sequences and strategies to find what works best in your hunting area. Be willing to adjust your approach based on the response you receive from bucks, and don't be afraid to try new things if your initial strategy isn't producing results.

When calling, it's important to use a variety of calls and be patient, as it may take time for a buck to respond. Using a hunting blind can be particularly useful when calling, as it provides concealment and allows you to stay in one spot for extended periods without being detected.