pre rut calling

[ReinertsonTaxidermy]

Well, I've spent the last few days researching pre-rut calling tactics and now I'm even more confused. Everything I've read and heard contradicts the next thing. What types of rattling sequences and calling works best for you? And does certain calling work better in specific weather conditions?

 

[Limb Chicken]

breiner11,
Welcome to iowawhitetail.com nice to have you here. I usually skip the early season unless I have one patterend the can be awful tough to find after the first few days of the season. That is my experience anyway. I have rattled a couple decent bucks in early with light tickling of the antlers nothing very aggresive. I never use scents, attractants.

 

[Shredder]

I have had reasonable early season success with calling. I usually will use buck contact grunt calls (not the pig like grunt they use during tracking or chasing does) I will occationally use light sparring sounds with the rattling antlers. Even doe bleats will help draw in a buck.

The best early season tactic I can offer is get on the most productive white oak ridge where the acorns are falling like rain and sit tight. This seems to be the best early season food source I have hunted. These ridges with oaks are often near a bedding area and bucks feel comfy coming out and eating during daylight hours. Next best place is a watering hole. They will come to one of these just about any time of the day. Third, stay smart in the early season and don't get careless with scent control. Scent lok up, use odor eliminators, shower before each hunt, and watch the wind. The last thing you want to do is ruin your stand sites before they get good.............Hope that helps

 

[MadisonB&C]

I'd say that one of the most important things is to be meticulous. A lot of people just go out into the woods and give calling a shot. You should know where the best places to call are (where the bucks hang out). Setting up on the fringes (not in the middle of) bedding areas is usually a good bet.
Another thing is don't be overzealous. Calling too much is a lot more risky than calling too little, and chances are too many calling sequences will educate deer and hurt your chances of success in the future.
Good luck, and shoot straight.