Will white tail bucks come to a rattle in early December

[Mustangs Rule]

I just drew a muzzleloader white tail buck tag. Season is 12-1 through 12-15. I never rattled before and i know their rut is strong thru November but peters out by late November. I have read that there is second rut when WT bucks can be rattled in early December.

Does anyone have personal experience with this I will be hunting around 4,000' in elevation and along the edge of the Rockies.

Thank you

 

[Rack Daniels]

I have rattled in several on the last day of season. I have no doubt I could have continued to call them in with rattles and snort/weezes for the next two weeks.

I did notice only smaller bucks gave notice to fight language, the further into season I was. Perhaps anecdotal…

 

[Bulldog0156]

Doesn't hurt to try it!

 

[Hem]

Buck to doe ratio could be a factor.
Ive rattled in mostly smaller bucks later in the season. In my region I have also noticed a pretty distinct decrease in wandering bucks and does post rut, like they consciously are trying to recharge for winter by moving less and feeding more.

 

[ccc23454]

Yes, but not as frequent as prerut typically younger deer also but might get lucky

 

[Ben Long]

Biologically I think it would make sense. The buck's testosterone levels are still high, even if the does are dipping between estrus periods. On the down side, the bucks may be more tired and their social status may already be sorted out, which might make them less likely to respond. But no harm in trying. Except you might spook 'em.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

I have rattled in several on the last day of season. I have no doubt I could have continued to call them in with rattles and snort/weezes for the next two weeks.

I did notice only smaller bucks gave notice to fight language, the further into season I was. Perhaps anecdotal…

When did your season end and where were you.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

Biologically I think it would make sense. The buck's testosterone levels are still high, even if the does are dipping between estrus periods. On the down side, the bucks may be more tired and their social status may already be sorted out, which might make them less likely to respond. But no harm in trying. Except you might spook 'em.

Spooking them would be my concern too.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

Buck to doe ratio could be a factor.
Ive rattled in mostly smaller bucks later in the season. In my region I have also noticed a pretty distinct decrease in wandering bucks and does post rut, like they consciously are trying to recharge for winter by moving less and feeding more.

So what distance to keep from scrapes and trails. I have never done this before.

 

[Mustangs Rule]

And a question to all of you. Should I go to my sweet spot pre-season at the height of rut for practice or stay away from my sweet spot.

My rifle BTW can hold a sub 3"-inch group out to 100 yards.

Have you guys rattled from tree stands?

 

[Rack Daniels]

When did your season end and where were you.

General season typically ends right after thanksgiving, the last weekend of November in SW MT.

 

[Northwoods]

All my experience rattling has been in low density deer areas. Like others have said, I have found it to be effective for small bucks, throughout the season. I often wonder if my setups are wrong and the bigger bucks are catching my scent before I see them. I think in agriculture areas someone could more easily setup with a field downwind of them to prevent this. It’s hard to get a good rattling setup in more remote areas.