Is It Better to Use Calls in Open Areas or Dense Cover?

When to Use Calls in Open Areas

When hunting in open areas, a doe bleat call should be used sparingly and in short bursts to avoid alerting deer to your presence. A well-placed call can be used to initiate a response, but excessive calling can drive deer away. For example, a 2-3 second doe bleat call can be repeated every 30-60 seconds to mimic a doe in distress or a fawn. This type of calling can be effective in drawing deer from a distance, but it’s essential to be prepared to shoot when the buck appears.

Using Calls in Dense Cover

In dense cover, a doe bleat call can be a game-changer when hunting whitetail deer. When calling in a thicket or a stand of trees, the sound of a doe bleat call can be muffled and go unnoticed by deer that are bedded down or moving through the area. To maximize the effectiveness of calling in dense cover, hunters should use a high-quality call that produces a natural, realistic sound, and position themselves in a spot where they can see the surrounding area without being seen. A well-placed doe bleat call can increase the chances of a buck walking into the hunter’s range, and a hunter should be prepared to take a shot when the opportunity arises.

Tips for Calling in Dense Cover

One key tip for calling in dense cover is to use a series of short, high-pitched calls to mimic a doe in distress or a fawn. This type of calling can be particularly effective in drawing bucks into the hunter’s range, especially during the peak of the rut. Hunters should also be aware of their surroundings and position themselves in a spot where they can see the surrounding area without being seen. A 4-6 foot shooting lane is essential for taking a shot when the buck appears, and hunters should be prepared to shoot quickly and accurately when the opportunity arises.