Too early to rattle?

[dwils233]

I've heard light rattling can be effective during the pre-rut, but is the modern opener still too early? I'm going to be hiking a few miles in into 113 and don't want to waste the weight and space if its not going to be useful to bring a set of rattling antlers. Thanks!

[Henrydog]

it would work during the late season up there, but I think it is way to early now.  The only thing you would call in on opening weekend is orange

[elkboy]

For whitetails, light rattling can work during early season.  Last Saturday, I saw a decent buck at about 250 yards.  He was poking along, browsing.  I rattled, and he lifted his head.  I rattled lightly again, and he broke into a trot and closed the distance.  Unfortunately, it was right at the end of shooting light.  And we have had other experiences like this with the whitetails during early muzzleloader.  So yes, it is possible for them to come and see who is sparring.

[fishnfur]

I just read an article today about rattling for BTs during early archery in Oregon.  Apparently even in September, you'll get an occasional response from both does and bucks. 

Two years ago, on the last day of muzzy elk/deer season, I heard two bucks going at it in the woods at dusk - that would have been last Sunday this year.  Last year, I had bucks come in to two different rattling sets in just over an hours or so.  That date was around 22 October. 

Personally, I think that you have a chance of getting a buck respond to rattling anytime after the velvet comes off. 

[hunter399]

You can always try,but you might call in some orange ,this pic we taken in September so them bucks are always testing one another.

[splitshot]

  during the season it is never too early.   mike w