Too soon to rattle

[kt]

Say guys when can i start to use rattling even if just a little to my advantage, never really called deer but last year a few friends had crazy action with the primos rattle bag i know of 20 + five to seven pointers that walked under stands to see what was what and an 8 and a 10 that bit the dust because they came to horns, so i know these guys in my woods are going to get to the horns eventually i just want the jump on them, at what point can they be good. right now temps are almost spring like and the woods are more like a jungle of undergrowth. curious
kt

[petey]

I start rattling or tickling the horns on the first day of season here in PA (which I believe is where you are at too?) I've called plenty of bucks in on the first day with horns. I think they are more curious and you get the little guys, but you never know, the big boy may come in. This was almost 2 weeks ago. 1 week prior to the first day (almost 3 weeks) I personally watched 2 different set of bucks in the same field downright fight, while spotting. With this cold front coming this weekend, I'd say NOW is the perfect time to get started with those horns. I don't get too aggressive until around now, but it's ok to make some noise now.

Rattle in sequences of 30 to 45 mins and be ready. Get those horns hung up quickly and grab your bow. I've been busted by bucks storming in more than I've had the opportunity to take them. In the same sentence, be ready up to 30 mins. Some like to take their time, but most while come on a rope. Obviously the best weeks are still to come, but the bucks are sparing, they have been for at least 3 weeks.

Good luck, and you'll never forget your horns again as soon as you have that first buck coming in to kick some tail. I use them religously with much success.

[petey]

by the way, here's a closeup of the buck that was shot THIS past Sat and look at his swollen glands and scares in front of his ears from fighting. Proof is in the picture that they are going at it now!

[rick savage]

petey, save a few for the rest of the guys in pa. lol by the way your friend ryan in coming down to hunt the first week of jan. see ya

[petey]

Hope you boys have some fun. Stick a pig for me. Ryan is a hoot, although I haven't talked to him much since he switched jobs. He's a good ol boy like me, so you'll enjoy hunting with him. Kind of miss those coon hunting days. I did buy my furtaker to apply for a bobcat permit, but I found out he lost his cat hound and had to get a new young pup for this year. Not too sure how his training is going though.

I have a little job for his dad, who I believe is a machinist, so I'll have to get a hold of him soon. We need to build another long range tripod for the BIG EYES.

Anyhow, not to hijack the thread. There's been a few good bucks shot already around my neck of the woods. I got a good bow kill on film last Saturday, and muzzleloader starts tomorrow. I'm not sure if I want to blow all my tags up before gun season or not, so I may take tomorrow off. I still have several DMAP tags and of course have a couple saved for the long range setup. I'm going to have to buy another freezer before I shoot another deer anyhow. I'm running out of space already! I just finished my last batch of jerky yesterday. I got quite a bit of meat out of that bruiser of a deer. definitly larger than average for around here.

[kt]

petey could you shed some light on the DMAP program?
kt

[petey]

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/v...a=465&q=158749

[kt]

i wish i could have some oppurtunities to hear deer fight. just to hear what it sounds like. although last night i crossed paths with a buck that skirted me at 40 yds that could end up in a record book, all i can seem to rattle in is a few 4's and the same retarded 1 horn spike, what business does he have investigating the territory?!?!?!?!

[petey]

9 times out of 10 you will get those less dominate bucks to come in just because they are curious. Kind of like when the fight in highschool broke out and everyone gathered around to watch. But that 1 time that it's not a scrub will make it worth while trying, trust me.

I'm seeing a lot of sign now that indicates you better be using those horns!!