The Buck Bawl Call: Why and When Bucks Make This Powerful Call

Explaination of what a buck bawl is and why bucks make this sound and why and when it may lure deer in.

A buck bawl is a vocalization made by a male deer (buck), often heard during the rut (breeding season). This sound is a deep, loud, and guttural grunt or bleat, which can carry over long distances. It is distinct from the soft grunts that bucks make when communicating with each other or with does (female deer). The buck bawl is typically associated with bucks competing for dominance, or when they are calling to attract does or challenge other bucks.

Why Bucks Make the Buck Bawl:

Attracting Does: Bucks use the bawl as a way to attract does during the rut. The sound can signal a buck’s presence and readiness to mate, drawing in does that are in estrus (heat).
Challenging Other Bucks: Bucks also use this vocalization to communicate with other bucks. It's often a sign of aggression, marking territory, or warning other bucks to stay away. The louder and more forceful the bawl, the more dominance the buck is trying to assert.
Marking Territory: Bucks will make this sound to let other males know they are in the area, signaling that the territory is already claimed. This can be a form of deterrence to other bucks, warning them of potential conflict.

Why and When it May Lure Deer In:

During the Rut: The buck bawl is most commonly heard during the rut (late fall to early winter), when bucks are actively seeking mates. Does may be drawn to the sound, as it signals a potential mate, while other bucks may come in response to challenge the vocalizing buck.
Peak Breeding Times: Bucks are most vocal when the does are in estrus, and the frequency and intensity of the buck bawl can increase during this peak time. The bawl is often heard at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
Mimicking to Attract: Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts sometimes use calls designed to mimic a buck bawl, hoping to attract deer by mimicking the sound of a dominant buck or challenging bucks. This tactic can draw curious or receptive deer, especially if they hear a vocalization that signals either dominance or mating behavior.

Overall, the buck bawl is a sound driven by a combination of mating instincts, territorial defense, and social communication, making it a key element of the behavior during the rut.