Deer Calls

[stjones1102]

When do you use deer calls? (if at all) And how are they most effective?

[timberghost]

I usually only use the "can" type doe estrus bleat the most but I also have the "true talker" grunt tube that I use too. I seem to have success calling in does and doe groups. Sometimes I get lucky and have a buck or bucks following the does but they will stay a ways back out of danger most of the time. This year so far has been pretty funky for me, meaning no success. The fawn bleats work well all the time to attract does.

[tnrebelguitarist]

I have used several types of calls. I've had more luck with rattling than I have anything else but I normally buy one call each year to at least try it. I own "The Can" (estrus bleat), True Talker ( grunt), Rattling bag, and (my recent purchase) the M.A.D. Buck Growl. I have watched videos with all these calls and practiced using them before season. I have hardly any luck with any calls. Rarely will you ever all in a deer from hundreds of yards away, but sometimes the calls can bring the deer from about 70-30 yards in closer or keep them interested and entice them to stay in the area a moment or two longer. Other than that, you are just wastiing you time and bringing unwanted attention to urself by moving and blowing on a call several times.

I really have to say that I was really dissappointed with the buck growl. I was excited to see a new call on the market because many deer have become call shy to grunts, doe bleats, and fawn bleats. I figured that this new call might intrigue some bucks enough to come searching for the sound but i was wrong. The video included with the call shows the "growl" being done by large bucks in the wild. After doing the "growl" several bucks, big and small came into the area within minutes. Sadly, this was not at the case at all. I hunted about 9 hrs a day for 5 days and used this call on and off. I normally didnt even get a look from the deer standing in the field. They acted as if they had not heard anything at all.

[joel the signman]

im like you rebel i buy a new toy every year i find that most are just to occupy time,maybe im doing something wrong .ihave used the grunt tube to stop em in their tracks for a shot and deer have shown up after using the can but its not like they came running for all i know they were already there and i didnt see em

[tnrebelguitarist]

yeah it is always hard to tell if the deer that show up, show up because of the call or were they already on their way at the time. I do have to agree with you about using a grunt to stop a deer for a shot. That is something that I do have to say works 80% of the time for me.