Rattling Setup

The problem with rattling is that a mature buck will often approach from down wind. One way to prevent a buck from circling downwind of your location is to setup where a responding buck would be unable to circle your position or would at least have to expose himself to do so. I accomplish this by positioning my stand a few yards up wind of a river’s edge, slough, ledge, or wide-open field.  I’ve even used highways and interstates to keep bucks from circling me. Furthermore, even if you position yourself where it would be extremely difficult for a buck to circle you, I recommend you enter the deer woods as scent-free as possible. I personally use and recommend a scent-lok suit.

My preference whenever possible is to set my stand uphill of where I expect the buck to come from. While I’ve had a fair amount of luck calling in bucks from level ground, it’s been my experience bucks will travel uphill to the sounds of two bucks fighting more often and more eagerly than not.

Sometimes it’s better not to call at all if your setup is not right. It’s by far more productive to go home empty handed than it would be to ruin your chances for the whole season.