What are most effective calls for luring deer during the rut?

Choosing the Right Call

When selecting a call for the rut, consider the terrain and the time of day. In North Carolina’s dense forests, a bleat call is often more effective, as it can be heard over longer distances. Use a call with a high-pitched tone, typically between 2,000 and 3,000 Hz, to mimic a doe in heat. Experiment with different call sequences, such as a series of 3-5 bleats, to determine what works best in your area.

Call Techniques and Timing

To maximize the effectiveness of your call, focus on the peak rutting hours, which typically occur between 4:30 and 7:30 am and 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Use a grunt call to mimic a buck’s aggressive sounds, often when competing for a doe’s attention. Vary the tone and pitch of your grunt call, ranging from 200 to 800 Hz, to create a sense of urgency and dominance.

Combining Calls and Natural Scents

To increase the attractiveness of your call, combine it with natural scents, such as doe urine or tarsal gland scent, to mimic the presence of a receptive doe. Apply these scents to your clothing, stand, or trail, and use a scraper to create a mock scrape site. Use a scrape call to mimic the sounds of a buck scent-marking a site, often within 100 yards of a doe’s location. This combination of calls and scents can increase your chances of attracting a buck during the rut.