There have been a number of good threads on Hunt-WA on the topic. Our very own 3Nails is an expert on the method, and he has a great seminar video up here:
t=2935s
In my experience, if you can get out to a good whitetail area three weekends in a row during mid to late November, then do it. The deer might not be responsive one weekend (and you feel as if you are rattling to empty forest), but then really get crazy the next. I have rattled most of my whitetail bucks in during the Nov. 20-Dec. 1 period.
Pay attention to rows of rubbed trees. Look for 2-3" saplings that are rubbed (but not to 6' above ground- that is likely elk!), and along a "rub line". This is a good place to do "set-ups".
Find a small clearing or area of moderately open understory (not fully open- bucks like some security cover, even under a forest overstory). I like to sit under the dark overhang of a fallen tree, or in a tangle of upturned roots, of course on the downwind side of a gap or shooting lane. The head of a draw that feeds into a valley is excellent, as well. Lay your rifle across your lap, and be ready, as things can happen very quickly. Start with a few soft grunts, and wait 5 minutes. Then start with some light "sparring" rattles. Wait 10-15 minutes. Then ratchet up the intensity, with 1-2 minutes of heavy rattling (put some breaks of 4-5 seconds in there- imagine two deer breaking apart, sizing each other up again, then joining antlers again). Break branches and rake a nearby shrub or sapling with one of your antlers if you can. Grunt here and there (Primo's grunter is a good call to get). This provides realism. Now set those antlers down and really pay attention to all of the environment around you for 15-20 minutes. If nothing, repeat the heavy sequence again, and wait another 15-20. I might even try one more sequence-and-wait if I think there are deer around. You have to give them time to hear you, decide to come to you, and then actually travel over and get to you. I will sit 1.5-3 hours in one spot before changing location.
I think camouflage is overrated for a lot of kinds of big game hunting, but not for this. A good camo pattern that matches your environment I believe is helpful to avoid the wary eyes of a mature whitetail buck.
Good luck to you.
