Calling deer, an age-old practice, is a captivating art that can dramatically increase your chances of a successful hunt or simply offer an extraordinary experience observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a curious wildlife enthusiast, understanding the nuances of deer communication and mastering the techniques of calling can open up a whole new world of interaction with these incredible animals. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the world of deer calling, providing you with the knowledge and techniques to effectively attract deer in various scenarios.
Understanding Deer Vocalizations
Before you even pick up a call, it’s crucial to understand the language of deer. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, each with its own unique meaning. Mimicking these sounds accurately is the key to successful calling. Here are some of the most common deer vocalizations and their purposes:
- Grunt: The most common deer vocalization. Grunts are typically low and guttural, used by both bucks and does for general communication, expressing dominance, or indicating contentment. A tending grunt is a specific type of grunt often used by bucks during the rut while pursuing a doe.
- Bleat: A higher-pitched sound, often resembling a sheep or goat, bleats are primarily used by does and fawns. Fawn bleats are calls for their mothers, while doe bleats can signal estrus or indicate a general sense of well-being.
- Rattling: Not a vocalization in itself, but a crucial sound produced by clashing antlers. Rattling is used primarily by bucks to assert dominance and attract other bucks during the rut.
- Snort-Wheeze: An aggressive vocalization usually used by dominant bucks as a warning to rivals or when they feel threatened.
- Bawl/Baa: A loud and distressed call made by fawns when they are separated from their mothers, in danger, or are injured.
- Alarm Snort: A sharp and explosive snort used by deer to alert others of danger.
Understanding the context of these sounds is just as important as being able to reproduce them. For example, a doe bleat during the pre-rut might indicate estrus and could attract a buck, while a fawn bleat in late fall may attract does with maternal instincts. Being able to differentiate between the purpose of each vocalization will drastically increase your chances of calling in the deer you are after.
Essential Equipment for Deer Calling
The tools you use to call deer can significantly impact your success. Here’s a look at the most commonly used and effective gear:
- Grunt Calls: These come in various forms, from simple tubes to adjustable models allowing for different tones. Some grunt calls even feature a hose attachment for more realistic projection. Practice with your chosen call to learn the pressure needed for different grunt variations, from soft and subtle to loud and challenging.
- Bleat Calls: Primarily designed for doe and fawn bleats, bleat calls are typically smaller and higher-pitched than grunt calls. These come in various types, including mouth calls and handheld bellows. Select a bleat call that is capable of different volume levels.
- Rattling Antlers/Rattling Bag: Authentic antlers offer the most realistic sound, but they can be cumbersome to carry. A rattling bag, filled with synthetic materials, can be a more convenient alternative. Master the art of clashing antlers with controlled techniques – never just bang them together loudly.
- Deer Decoys: While not technically a calling device, decoys can visually complement your calls. A doe decoy can help lure in a buck during the rut, while a buck decoy can add an element of competition.
- Wind Checker: Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell. Knowing the wind direction is crucial to avoid spooking them. Keep a wind checker handy to ensure your scent doesn’t give you away.
- Clothing: Camouflage clothing helps you blend into your surroundings, making it harder for deer to spot you. Pay attention to the type of camouflage that best suits your hunting environment. Scent-reducing clothing and sprays can also be invaluable.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Deer
Now that you have a good grasp of deer vocalizations and the necessary equipment, let’s break down the steps involved in calling deer effectively. This section covers different scenarios and provides specific instructions for each:
1. Scouting and Preparation
Before you even think about calling, it’s essential to scout your area and understand the deer patterns. Here’s what you need to do:
- Identify Deer Sign: Look for tracks, droppings, rubs, scrapes, and bedding areas to understand the areas where deer are frequently active.
- Choose Your Location: Position yourself strategically upwind of known deer trails or bedding areas. Be sure you have a clear line of sight to see approaching deer.
- Consider the Time of Year: Deer behavior and their responsiveness to calls vary throughout the year. The rut is the most active time for calling, but you can still attract deer during other times with the right calls.
- Check the Wind: Always position yourself so that the wind is blowing away from the direction you expect deer to approach. Avoid calling when the wind is swirling.
- Set Up Comfortably: Prepare yourself with a comfortable position that allows you to stay focused and still. Staying still is essential for avoiding detection, and keeping comfortable helps with focus.
2. Grunt Calling Techniques
The grunt call is your bread and butter for a large part of the hunting season, and it’s important to use it correctly:
- Start Softly: Begin with a few soft, subtle grunts to see if any deer are in the area. Imagine the sound a deer makes as it’s just passing by another.
- Use Variations: Vary your grunts in pitch and volume. Use a deeper, more guttural grunt to mimic a mature buck and a softer, higher-pitched grunt to imitate a younger deer.
- Tending Grunts: During the rut, use tending grunts (short, rhythmic grunts) to imitate a buck following a doe. Use these grunts when you are convinced you have a buck in range.
- Grunt Sequences: Try a series of short grunts followed by a longer grunt, mimicking a buck moving through the woods. Think of how a deer would move through the woods and try to mimic the sounds it would make in that scenario.
- Pause Between Calls: Give deer time to respond to your calls. Pause for 10-15 minutes between calling sequences, keeping an eye on your surroundings.
- Pay attention to reactions. If a deer reacts but doesn’t approach, try varying the tone, volume, or length of your calls. If deer seem alarmed or spooked by your calls, stop.
3. Bleat Calling Techniques
Bleat calls are particularly effective for attracting does and fawns and can also bring in bucks during the rut:
- Fawn Bleats: Use fawn bleats during early season to attract does or during late season to lure deer in general. Use a higher pitched call to imitate a fawn calling to its mother.
- Doe Bleats: During the rut, use soft, low doe bleats to signal a doe ready to breed. Use a lower pitched call when imitating a doe.
- Subtle Use: Do not over-use bleat calls, especially doe bleats. Use them sparingly and only when you know there are does in your area.
- Varying Calls: Vary the duration and intensity of your bleats. Combine a series of short bleats with a longer, more drawn-out bleat.
- Listen Carefully: Listen carefully for any deer that may be responding to your bleats. If you hear or see deer coming, reduce the frequency and volume of your bleats.
- Pair With Grunts: Combine doe bleats with tending grunts for bucks during the rut. A buck is more likely to approach if he thinks he is chasing a doe that is ready to breed.
4. Rattling Techniques
Rattling can be very effective during the rut when bucks are actively competing for does:
- Start Softly: Begin with soft, subtle rattling, as though two bucks are merely sparring or lightly bumping horns.
- Build Intensity: Gradually increase the intensity of your rattling, imitating a more serious fight. Imagine how two bucks would really lock horns in a serious battle.
- Use Grunts: Mix rattling with grunts and tending grunts to imitate a buck trying to assert dominance. Adding realism to your calls makes them more effective.
- Intermittent Rattling: Don’t rattle continuously. Use short sequences of rattling followed by periods of silence, allowing bucks to approach without becoming cautious.
- Listen for Responses: Pay attention to responses from deer. If you are not seeing any responses to your rattling, vary the volume, duration, and frequency.
- Be Patient: Rattling can be very effective, but it can also be slow to work. Be patient and allow time for bucks to respond.
5. Combining Calls
Once you’ve mastered the individual calls, try combining them for a more realistic scenario:
- Buck Chase: During the rut, use tending grunts followed by a doe bleat, then rattling to simulate a buck chasing a doe. Imagine you are mimicking the sound of a buck that is chasing a doe.
- Dominance Challenge: Combine rattling with aggressive grunts, adding a snort wheeze to challenge other bucks. If you feel you have a buck in the area that is dominant, then try using these sounds.
- Fawn in Distress: Use a series of fawn bleats followed by subtle doe bleats to simulate a lost fawn. Be careful when using this in the hunting season, as does are quite maternal.
- Observe Behavior: Pay attention to how deer respond to different combinations of calls. Try to discern the most effective combinations in your area, as this may vary from place to place.
Advanced Calling Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques:
- Using Decoys: Placing a decoy in combination with your calling can greatly enhance your chances. Use a doe decoy during the rut to draw in bucks. Use a buck decoy to challenge other bucks.
- Changing Positions: If deer aren’t responding, try moving to a different location or altering your position within the same area. Experimentation is a key part of calling.
- Reading the Body Language: Pay close attention to the body language of deer that are approaching. If they appear to be nervous or on high alert, reduce the volume and frequency of your calls.
- Knowing When to Stop: Sometimes, the best call is no call at all. If the deer seem agitated, stop calling and wait for them to calm down. Knowing when to cease calling can be just as important as knowing when to start.
- Adapt to the Weather: On cold, still days, sounds travel further, and calling will be more effective. On windy days, deer might not hear your calls as well.
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at calling deer effectively. Practice in the off-season so that you are prepared when the season starts.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best techniques, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Deer Aren’t Responding: If deer aren’t responding to your calls, try varying the type and frequency of your calls. You might be in a location that is not seeing any deer traffic.
- Deer Spook Easily: If deer are spooking, ensure you are positioned upwind and that you are wearing appropriate camouflage. You also may have made too much noise while setting up.
- Not Seeing the Deer: If you are not seeing the deer, try different location and different times of the day. The deer patterns may be different than what you expect.
- Call Sounds Unnatural: Record yourself calling deer and compare that to calls in nature. It can be difficult to hear what you sound like while you are doing it.
- Weather Is Affecting Calls: Adjust your calls for the weather. Call louder on windy days and softer on still days.
Ethical Considerations
It’s vital to approach deer calling with respect for the animals and the environment. Here are some ethical guidelines to keep in mind:
- Avoid Calling Excessively: Do not over-call, as this can cause unnecessary stress for the deer and may condition them to your calls.
- Respect the Rules: Always adhere to the local hunting regulations and laws when calling deer.
- Practice Fair Chase: Calling deer should be done in a manner that allows them a reasonable opportunity to escape.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Be aware of the environment around you and avoid leaving trash or damaging any vegetation.
- Be Considerate of Other Hunters: If other hunters are in the area, try to avoid calling in the areas where they might be hunting.
Conclusion
Mastering deer calling is a journey that requires patience, practice, and a deep understanding of deer behavior. By learning the nuances of deer vocalizations, using the right equipment, and employing effective calling techniques, you can significantly enhance your success whether you’re a hunter or a wildlife enthusiast. Remember to be ethical, respectful, and always continue learning. With consistent effort and dedication, you’ll unlock the incredible world of deer communication and enjoy remarkable experiences in the field. The more you understand the language of the deer, the better results you will see.