One of Nature’s most thrilling and memorable events that puts hunting back in the hunt.

Story and photography by Bob Zaiglin

The question most often asked whenever I talk about rattling up whitetails is just how difficult is the technique.  My response is that it can be successfully performed by anyone.  All one has to do is mimic a raucous knock-down, drag-out fight between two mature bucks and all the loud racket that goes along with such an event.

It’s actually difficult to make a mistake, especially when the sex ratio is balanced and the rut is in full swing.  However, when it comes to deceiving mature bucks, experience plays a crucial role.  With 50-plus years of rattling experience, I will attempt to fill the information gaps that could help hunters become more successful.

As days shorten in the fall, bucks experience physiological and temperamental changes as their testosterone levels rise.  Testosterone is a hormone and chemical messenger, dictating the breeding season, which depends on the amount of the hormone in the bloodstream.

As testosterone increases, antler growth ceases, and the velvet that once protected the developing appendages dries up and is jettisoned.  Once the antlers solidify, a buck is capable of breeding; however, the opportunity to breed remains dependent on the does’ breeding cycle, the timing of which plays a significant role when it comes to rattling success.

Late November through mid-December is the optimal time to rattle in the western portion of the Hill Country.  In South Texas, peak rutting activity occurs a week on either side of Christmas.

When rattling during the rut, particularly in its earliest stages, one must be aware of the young bucks that will often rush in to a mock battle.  These youngsters are especially aggressive in their attempt to enter the breeding hierarchy, thus easily deceived, but it’s important to avoid spooking them, because they can alarm older bucks that stage nearby before investigating all the racket.

************************************************************************
To read more, click here to SUBSCRIBE