Deer calls are used to mimic the sounds that deer make in order to attract or communicate with them, especially during the hunting season. These calls can help draw deer in closer for a better shot or create a scenario where deer feel safe and behave naturally. Here are the main types of deer calls, when, how, and why you should use them:

Grunt Call

• What it Mimics: The grunt is a vocalization bucks (male deer) use to communicate with other deer, especially during the rut (mating season). It can signal dominance or attraction.

• When to Use:
  • Pre-rut and peak rut seasons (late October through November).
  • When bucks are looking for does (female deer) or trying to establish dominance over other bucks.

• How to Use:
  • Make short, deep, guttural sounds every 30-60 minutes.
  • If you see a buck in the distance, a grunt call can stop it or bring it closer.
  • Avoid overusing the call, as it may sound unnatural or make bucks suspicious.

• Why Use:
  • It signals to bucks that other males are in the area, potentially drawing them in to investigate or challenge for territory.

Doe Bleat

• What it Mimics: This call imitates the sound of a doe, often used during the breeding season.

• When to Use:
  • Pre-rut, rut, and post-rut (October through early December).
  • Particularly effective during the peak rut when bucks are actively seeking does.

• How to Use:
  • Use a bleat canister or call tube to make short, nasally bleat sounds.
  • Call every 15-20 minutes in areas with high buck activity.

• Why Use:
  • Bucks respond to doe bleats because they associate it with does in estrus (ready to breed).
  • It’s an effective way to bring in bucks who are seeking out mates.

Estrus Bleat

• What it Mimics: This call imitates the sound of a doe in estrus, which means she is ready to mate.

• When to Use:
  • Primarily during peak rut (mid-November).

• How to Use:
  • Use sparingly to avoid sounding unnatural.
  • Pair with rattling antlers or a grunt call for a multi-sensory approach.

• Why Use:
  • It’s a powerful attractant during the rut, as it signals to bucks that a doe in heat is nearby and ready to breed.

Fawn Bleat

• What it Mimics: The sound of a young deer (fawn) calling for its mother.

• When to Use:
  • Early season and late season, especially in areas with high doe populations.
  • During spring or early fall when fawns are still dependent on does.

• How to Use:
  • Make soft, high-pitched bleating sounds at intervals of 15-20 minutes.
  • Use near bedding areas or feeding sites where does and fawns are commonly found.

• Why Use:
  • Does may come to the call out of maternal instinct.
  • During the rut, a buck may come to investigate, as fawns often stay close to does.

Snort-Wheeze

• What it Mimics: The snort-wheeze is an aggressive sound bucks make to challenge other males.

• When to Use:
  • Use during the rut, especially when you spot a dominant buck or during confrontations between bucks.

• How to Use:
  • Make a short, forceful “snort” followed by a raspy “wheeze” sound.
  • Use cautiously, as this is a highly aggressive call and may scare off smaller or more timid bucks.

• Why Use:
  • Dominant bucks will often respond aggressively to this call, as they perceive it as a challenge for territory or does.

Rattling

• What it Mimics: Rattling antlers mimic the sound of two bucks fighting. Bucks clash their antlers together during the rut to establish dominance.

• When to Use:
  • Best used during pre-rut and peak rut (late October through mid-November).

• How to Use:
  • Use real antlers or a rattling bag to simulate the sound of a fight.
  • Rattle for 30 seconds to 1 minute, followed by 10-15 minutes of silence.
  • Add a grunt or estrus bleat to enhance the realism.

• Why Use:
  • Bucks are drawn to the sound of fighting, as it suggests that there are other bucks and does nearby.
  • Younger bucks may come to observe, while dominant bucks may charge in to assert dominance.

Social Calls

• What it Mimics: These are soft, non-threatening grunts and bleats deer use to communicate in a relaxed setting.

• When to Use:
  • Early season, when deer are less focused on mating and more on feeding and socializing.

• How to Use:
  • Make soft, infrequent calls, like quiet grunts or bleats, while near feeding or bedding areas.

• Why Use:
  • Deer may respond out of curiosity, thinking there’s another deer feeding or relaxing nearby.

General Tips for Using Deer Calls:

• Location Matters: Use calls in areas where deer are likely to be (near bedding areas, food sources, or travel corridors).
• Don’t Overuse Calls: Excessive calling can alert deer to your presence and make them wary.
• Consider the Wind: Always call with the wind in your favor to avoid alerting deer to your scent.
• Timing: Calls are most effective during the rut, but they can still work at other times of the season.
• Watch for Body Language: If a deer responds positively (ears perked up, moving in your direction), continue calling sparingly. If the deer appears spooked or disinterested, stop calling immediately.