Archery Deer Hunting Calls: What You Need

Deer calls are an important tool for hunters, but they require experience and practice to use effectively. The most common types of deer calls are grunt calls and bleat calls, which can be used to attract bucks during the rutting season. When using a deer call, it is important to consider the wind direction, as you don't want your scent to blow towards the deer. Additionally, it is recommended not to overuse calls, as this can educate the deer and make them more cautious. Other gear that can be useful for deer hunting includes camouflage clothing, a small saw, a range finder, and rope for hauling deer.

Grunt calling: Use a grunt call to attract deer, especially during the rutting season

Grunt calling is a highly effective technique for attracting deer, especially during the rutting season. Here are some tips to maximise your success:

When to Grunt Call

The rutting season is the best time to use grunt calling. In the pre-rut and early season, bucks are less aggressive and curious, so aggressive calling will not work. However, during the rut, bucks are on the prowl, making it the perfect time to crank up your calling. The peak of the rut is when you're most likely to have success, so be sure to take advantage of this period.

How Often to Grunt Call

When blind calling, it is recommended to blow moderately loud grunts every 20 to 30 minutes. This can be done when archery hunting in areas where deer move between bedding and feeding grounds. If you spot a buck, grunt at it, especially if it is out of range. If it stops and looks your way, grunt more loudly and aggressively.

Realism

To add realism to your calling, combine estrous-doe bleats with tending grunts. This can be effective from around November 5th to the peak of the rut. Young bucks may race in, and if you're lucky, a stud might arrive to steal the doe.

Tone and Volume

When using a grunt tube, don't worry too much about the tone of your call in October or December. However, during the rut, switch to a throaty, deep-pitched call, as mature bucks seem to respond better to these. In general, the closer a buck is, the softer your grunt should be. Short, soft grunts are more effective at close range than loud blasts.

What Not to Do

Avoid blind calling when bowhunting near crops or acorns, especially early in the pre-rut, as deer are already drawn to these areas. Excessive calling may also educate deer, making them warier. Don't grunt if a buck is within 75 yards and looking for you, as it may see you move or become suspicious if it doesn't spot another deer. Similarly, refrain from grunting if a buck is approaching steadily unless it loses interest and changes direction.

Bleat calling: Imitate the sound of a doe to attract bucks

To successfully call deer, you need to understand the different types of deer calling sounds and when to use them. The doe bleat is a high-pitched call used by does to communicate with each other and their fawns. It is also used during the rut to signal that they are ready to mate.

Does are the most vocal of the two sexes and use the bleat call all year long for multiple reasons. During most of the year, a bleat call is a way for does to communicate with other does or to find each other in the woods. If does get separated, they can let out a bleat, and the others will come to their location.

Fawns can also use the bleat call for a similar purpose. If a fawn gets too far from its mother or is scared, it lets out a fawn bleat. Ideally, this will bring its mother back, but it can also bring in surrounding does that are not its mother. The motherly instincts of does will tell them to stay with this fawn until its mother comes back or adopt it as their own.

During the rut, the bleat has a new meaning. It can still be used to get the attention of other does, but they are likely being chased by bucks and cannot regroup with the lone doe. Instead, this bleat call attracts bucks when the doe is ready to breed. If a doe has managed to avoid being bred and is in estrus, she will let out a bleat to get the attention of the bucks in the area, which brings them in to investigate.

The best time to use a bleat call to bring in a buck is during the very end of October and most of November, i.e., late pre-rut and the rut. During the earlier season, a doe bleat will likely bring in more does than bucks. The bleat is an easy call to make with a bleat can or adjustable grunt call.

To use a doe bleat, let out one or two doe bleats and wait for a few minutes. This works especially well in the late pre-rut and throughout most of the rut. It can also be a powerful tool in the second rut when there are not as many does in estrus. This is a lot like blind grunt calling, which is a good strategy to use during the peak rut. If blind grunt calling is not working, the bleat call can be our golden ticket. The blind doe bleat can bring in many more deer in the right situation. Plus, it is less aggressive than a grunt and is easy to make with a can.

You do not want to go crazy with it, but every hour or so, it would not hurt to let a few bleats out and see what happens. Not all deer on every property react the same to calls. You just have to try it out and see, but if you are using it reasonably, you cannot really do any harm.

Rattle calling: Use rattling antlers to mimic the sound of fighting bucks

Rattle calling is a technique used to mimic the sound of two male deer (bucks) fighting, usually over mating rights with a female deer (doe). When bucks fight, they clash antlers, stomp, and rustle, creating a distinct sound that carries and attracts other bucks. This technique is particularly effective when a testosterone-charged buck at least 2 years or older is nearby and looking for a fight.

There are a few ways to create the rattling sound. One common method is to use a rattle bag, which is composed of plastic sticks or round, hard pieces of wood. The bag is rolled in the hands, creating a clicking sound similar to clashing antlers. Rattle bags come in different sizes, with larger bags generally being louder. They are also portable and can be easily carried in a pocket.

Another method is to use actual deer antlers or commercially made antler reproductions. These are more cumbersome but produce a very realistic sound. Hunters clash two antlers together, creating the desired rattling sound. Smaller antlers tend to be better for attracting bucks, while some hunters prefer larger racks in hopes of attracting a dominant buck.

When rattling, it is important to vary the intensity and duration of the sequences. A typical sequence might include three or four clashes of the bag or antlers, followed by a quiet period of about 20 minutes. Hunters can start with more subtle rattles and gradually increase the volume. Bucks may approach cautiously or at a full gallop, so it is important to be prepared for either outcome.

The best times for rattling are during the pre-rut and rut phases when bucks are actively seeking mates and more likely to be aggressive. Mornings are generally the best time for rattling, followed by evenings. Hunters should also consider weather conditions, as cold and cloudy weather, as well as low winds, can help carry the sound.

Electronic calls: Use an app or electronic device to play deer calls, but check local regulations first

Electronic deer calls are a popular tool among hunters for attracting deer to a specific location. These devices use technology to replicate the sounds of deer, such as mating calls or distress calls, in order to attract them. While electronic deer calls can be effective in luring deer, it is important to understand the legal and ethical considerations surrounding their use.

In the United States, the use of electronic deer calls is generally allowed under the Pittman-Robertson Act, as long as they are used in accordance with state and local laws. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding their use, so hunters must familiarize themselves with the relevant legislation. For example, in Texas, electronic calls can be used to hunt game animals, except for migratory game birds.

There are several ethical considerations for hunters to keep in mind when using electronic deer calls. Hunters should always follow all laws and regulations and adhere to ethical hunting practices, including respecting property boundaries, avoiding unnecessary animal suffering, and respecting the environment. Some argue that electronic deer calls can disrupt the natural behavior of deer, alter their movement patterns, and make them more vulnerable to predators.

When using electronic calls, it is important to check local regulations first. While they can be an effective tool, there are also traditional methods that hunters can use, such as natural scents, hand calls, decoys, or attractants.

Decoys: Set up decoys to attract deer, especially in open areas

Decoys are a great way to attract deer, especially in open areas. Here are some tips to effectively use decoys for archery deer hunting:

Placement

Place the decoy in an open area where it can be easily seen by deer from a distance. Avoid placing it in thick cover as this can scare the deer away. The best spots for a deer decoy are open fields, meadows, and clear-cut patches. Consider setting up the decoy on a rise to make it even more visible. The ideal distance for placing the decoy is within 15-20 yards of your location. This will allow you to get a clear shot while also keeping the decoy within the effective shooting range.

Timing

The pre-rut and rut phases are considered the perfect times to use deer decoys. During these periods, bucks are more aggressive and territorial, making them more likely to engage with the decoy. The last week of October to the first week of November is typically the pre-rut phase, while the second or third week of November is the rut phase.

Type of Decoy

There are two main types of deer decoys: full-body and silhouette. Full-body decoys are more realistic and believable but are more expensive, challenging to carry and store, and require proper stabilization on hard, frozen ground. Silhouette decoys, on the other hand, are easy to transport and store but lack the realism of full-body decoys and are difficult to use in adverse conditions. For novice hunters, a 3D target decoy is recommended.

Scent Control

Scent control is critical when using decoys. Ensure that the decoy is scent-free and does not have any human scent on it. You can let the decoy sit outside for a couple of weeks before using it and wash it with unscented or scent-deodorizing soap. Using deer urine, such as buck or doe urine, can also enhance the effectiveness of the decoy.

Movement

To make the decoy more effective, it should have some movement. Most deer will circle downwind of the decoy, so positioning it with the direction of the wind is crucial. This will help keep the deer focused on the decoy while also putting them in the ideal position for a shot.

Combination

Using a combination of buck and doe decoys can be very effective, especially during the rut phase when bucks are actively seeking out does to breed. A doe decoy is generally more approachable and less likely to scare off other deer.

By following these tips and choosing the right decoy setup, you can increase your chances of attracting deer and having a successful archery hunting experience.

Frequently asked questions