Using Grunt Calls
Filed under: Ask Grant, Hunting Tactics
I haven’t found any good videos or tips on grunting or rattling a deer. Can you go over what to do in different situations? I have no clue how to do it well. I try but I don’t know if I’m annoying the deer or if it is actually working. It would mean a lot to a new bow hunter. I got my first 8 pointer with my bow this year. I’ve been gun hunting for 7 years now, but when you bow hunt you need the deer in so much closer. Thanks, Tyrel
Tyrel,
Congratulations on harvesting an 8 pointer with your bow! Both immature and mature bucks (and does) will frequently respond to grunt calls. However, they can also shy away from them if they associate the call with danger. In areas where hunters are calling frequently, I use my grunt call sparingly. I like to grunt if I see a mature buck that’s out of range and moving away. I will also call when I don’t observe deer. In this situation, I begin with a very low volume. I increase the volume if I don’t believe deer are responding. I believe, if used appropriately, that deer usually respond positively or ignore grunt calls. However, deer can certainly be conditioned to avoid grunt calls if they associate them with danger. Therefore, I think timing and volume are more important than tone of grunt calls.
Growing Deer together,
Grant
