Elliot Kim
Deer calls are invaluable tools for hunters, designed to mimic deer's natural sounds and attract them into range. Deer calls can be used to mimic the sounds made by bucks, does, and fawns, and can be used to attract deer during hunting. The most commonly used deer call is the grunt call, which can be used to attract bucks by mimicking the low, guttural grunts a buck produces during the rut to communicate dominance or express willingness to mate. Other deer calls include the bleat, which mimics the sounds made by does and fawns, and the snort-wheeze, which is a dominance call used by mature bucks to threaten subordinate bucks. Hunters can also use antler rattling to attract deer, as it mimics the sound of two bucks fighting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of sound | Grunt, bleat, snort-wheeze, rattling |
| How to create the sound | Grunt tube, rattling antlers, rattling bags, call boxes |
| When to use | During the rut, pre-rut, post-rut, breeding season, hunting season |
| How often to use | Every 20-30 minutes, every half hour |
| Volume | Start soft and slowly build up, or use loud, choppy tending grunts |
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What You'll Learn
Grunt calls
To attract deer with grunt calls, it is important to understand the different types of grunts and when to use them. For example, short, low-pitched grunts can be used to mimic a buck's natural communication and challenge nearby males. Soft grunts can be used to mimic casual communication between bucks, signalling a non-threatening presence. During the pre-rut, bucks establish dominance and prepare for the breeding season, so more aggressive grunts can be used to emulate the sound of a buck defending its doe.
When using a grunt call, it is also important to consider the timing and frequency of the grunts. Grunt calls should be used sparingly, with 5- to 10-second sequences every 20-30 minutes. The intensity and volume of the grunts can be increased once a deer is spotted to get its attention. Grunt calls can also be combined with other calls and techniques, such as rattling antlers or using a scent attractor, to increase their effectiveness.
Using a grunt tube is a common way to create grunt calls. To use a grunt tube, blow into the tube 2-4 times to emulate the sound of a buck. The sound should be loud and choppy, similar to "urrrrppp". It may take some practice to perfect the technique and learn the different types of grunts. Additionally, it is important to be patient and persistent, as deer calling may not always attract deer, but it also does not seem to alarm them.
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Doe bleats
The cadence and pitch of doe bleats vary depending on the context. For example, does may make soft and short "bawls" when they are at ease, signalling to other deer that an area is safe and free from danger. Doe bleats can also be used to establish a pecking order within a group of does. In this case, the bleat is shorter and harsher, indicating dominance.
Hunters can use doe bleats as a form of deer vocalization to attract deer. Doe bleats can be mixed with buck grunting to create the impression of a breeding frenzy, which can attract mature bucks. Hunters should be aware of the time of year and the deer hunting situation, as the effectiveness of doe bleats may vary depending on these factors. For example, doe bleats may be more effective in areas with lower deer densities, as deer in these areas have to work harder to find each other. Additionally, hunters should be prepared and ready with their weapons before starting a deer calling sequence.
Hunters should also be mindful of the volume and aggression of the sounds they produce. Starting with softer sounds and slowly building up can help prevent spooking the deer away. If there is no response, hunters can gradually increase the volume and intensity of the sounds.
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Antler rattling
To effectively use antler rattling to attract deer, timing is critical. Hunters should rattle pre-rut and during the rut. Bucks typically do not spar early and late in the season. It is also important to ensure that deer have not been over-called to with rattling antlers, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the technique. Hunters can try rattling sequences at different times of the day, such as 30 minutes apart during the first few hours of daylight, around midday, and two hours before dark.
When rattling the antlers, it is recommended to start slowly and passively, as the deer may be very close, and aggressive sounds could spook them away. Hunters should imagine how it would sound if two bucks were actually fighting and try to replicate that. If there is no response within about 10 minutes, they can gradually increase the volume and intensity of the rattling.
In addition to antler rattling, hunters can also use vocalizations to attract deer. This includes grunt calls, which are the most commonly used deer calls by hunters, as well as bleats, which mimic the sounds made by does and fawns, and snort wheezes, which are dominance calls used by mature bucks. By combining different types of calls and transitioning between them, hunters can increase their chances of success.
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Snort-wheeze
The snort-wheeze is a distinct, aggressive call used by hunters to attract deer. It is a dominance call, used by mature bucks to threaten subordinate bucks. It is a large exhale of air, a challenge to other bucks, signalling "I'm mad, and I'm ready to fight".
To make the sound, hunters can use their voice, or buy a snort-wheeze call. The vocal version is an airy "pft-pft-pffffft" sound, with air passing through the lips and the last note drawn out. Hunters should be aware that this call can ruin a hunt, as it is so aggressive. It is a last-ditch effort, used when other calls have not worked. It is also a good call to use when hunting with a buck decoy, as bucks will make this sound repeatedly around decoys.
The snort-wheeze is best used during the rut, when bucks are vying for breeding rights. It is a very specific call, and bucks will react with aggression and fear. It is a useful call to use when a buck is in the distance and not heading in your direction, as it can be heard from far away. It is also effective in high winds and near noisy creeks. It is a good way to pinpoint a buck's location, as it will stop a buck in its tracks and make it look in your direction.
Hunters should be aware that bucks may also turn and run after hearing this call, so it is a risky strategy. It is a good idea to practice the sound before using it in the field.
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Fawn distress calls
To mimic the sound of a fawn in distress, you can use a box or pot call. These calls are designed to require very little air pressure to operate, so you don't need to blow hard to create a distressful sound. You can also find grunt tubes that can mimic the sound of a fawn in distress, along with other deer sounds like buck grunts, doe bleats, and snort wheezes. These tubes are easy to use and inexpensive, with prices ranging from $10 to $80.
When using a fawn distress call, start with softer, slower sounds and slowly build up to project the sound farther. Mix up the types of calls you use and don't rely on just one. The transition from one call to another is more effective and can depend on the time of year and the hunting situation.
If you're using a grunt tube, puff five or six moderately loud grunts every 20 to 30 minutes. If you're using a box or pot call, follow the instructions provided with your specific product. Remember to be ready with your bow and arrow or gun before starting your deer calling sequence.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a grunt call to attract deer within earshot. You can also mimic the sound of two bucks fighting by rattling antlers together.
Grunt calls are low, guttural grunts that bucks produce. These sounds are used to communicate dominance or express willingness to mate.
Start with a light contact grunt. If that doesn't work, get more aggressive with louder, longer grunts. You can also try a snort wheeze, which mimics the natural aggression of a buck.
You can use a doe bleat, which is a long, nasally drawn-out "mehhhh" sound. This is the sound a female deer makes when she's ready to breed. You can also try a fawn distress call or a buck growl.
Deer calls are most effective during the rut, when bucks are more territorial and aggressive. They can also be used during the pre-rut and post-rut phases, but with less frequency and intensity.
