Updated March 2023
Rattling is a tried-and-true method for calling in big bucks. Many mature bucks have succumbed to a hunter’s rattle sequence. Rattling, combined with a series of grunt calls, can be a deadly combination for drawing in a mature buck. This article will cover why and how rattling attracts deer, antler vs. bag calls, rattling tips, as well as a list of the top rattling calls available.
Why Does Rattling Attract Deer?
During the early and peak phases of the whitetail rut, bucks of all sizes and ages regularly square off with one another by fighting with their antlers. This display of dominance and breeding rights results in a rattling sound created by both deer’s antlers clashing together. Often times, these types of fights break out when an estrous does is in the area. This ruckus draws in other bucks to investigate, in hopes of finding a hot doe nearby.
For hunters, rattling simulates a buck fight with the intention of attracting other curious or dominant bucks to the general area. The more realistic you can make a buck fight sound, the better your result will be when rattling. The purpose of rattling is to draw in bucks that are nearby that may be out of range or sight.
Rattling Antlers or Rattle Bags?
In your search for the best rattling call, you may find yourself wondering if rattling antlers or rattle bags are better. Depending on your situation and preferences, both options have their pros and cons.
- Rattling Antlers – You may have noticed seasoned bowhunters sporting large, heavy sets of real buck antlers with them in the stand. Real sheds, or antlers from a previously harvested buck, are great options. Alternatively, there are also manufactured antlers that produce realistic sounds as well. Rattling antlers, real or synthetic, produce life-like sounds at a louder level than rattle bags. This is great when hunting in windy conditions when you need sound to travel. The main drawback of rattling antlers is that they are inconvenient to carry. Imaging having your bow, pack, treestand, etc. and then having to worry about carry a separate set of antlers. Unless you hunt a stand where you can leave a pair of antlers, this can be impractical. The other drawback of rattling antlers is that they require both hands to use, creating excess movement in the stand and making you easily spotted by deer.
- Rattle Bags – Rattle bags contain pieces of wood, plastic or other synthetic material that when rubbed or rolled, mimic the sound of antlers clashing together. Many hunters claim that these calls are just as good as real antlers in terms of realism. They are also considerably smaller, making them more practical to carry and can be easily stored in a pack. Rattle bags can also be used with one hand, leaving your bow hand ready. This leaves less of a chance of an incoming buck spotting your movement. Alternatively, rattle bags tend to be quieter than clashing actual antlers together. This can make them hard to hear in loud, windy conditions.
7 Best Rattling Calls for Calling in a Mature Buck
Illusion Systems Black Rack – The Black Rack by Illusion Systems features an exclusive bone-core technology that gives this rattling system realistic and loud antler-like sounds. What sets these rattling antlers apart from others, is the full-rack design of both pieces. Unlike rattling with two separate antlers, the Black Rack is designed with two full-racks, mimicking the sound of four antlers clashing from two bucks fighting. Also, the black color of the pieces allows for better concealment when rattling.
Hunters Specialties Ruttin’ Buck Rattling Bag – The Ruttin’ Buck rattling bag by Hunters Specialties is one of the most popular rattling calls available. This rattle bag is designed for simple one-hand operation if needed. It features specially-selected hardwood rods specifically chosen to replicate the tones of antlers clashing together. The rubberized netting that makes up the bag allows for extra grip when using. Overall, this rattle bag is small, making it easy to transport, while at the same time creating realistic buck fighting sounds.
Flextone Battle Bones – The Battle Bones rattling antlers by Flextone are another popular rattling system similar to the Black Rack that features two full-racks for double the volume, distance and realism. This double full-rack design recreates an aggressive fight between two mature bucks in a way that two single sheds can’t. Flextone uses their Antler Mass Technology to resemble the bone marrow found in antlers, giving them an added degree of authenticity. The Battle bones are designed to stack on one another, making them easy to carry and fit into any pack.
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Primos Big Bucks Rattling Bag – The Primos Big Bucks rattling bag is conveniently sized without compromising on sound quality. With the ability to produce sounds from small buck sparring to a full-on dominant buck fight, this call provides both versatility and realism in a single product. The mesh bag can be opened to add or remove the “Power Tines”, giving the ability to alter the sound to your needs and liking. Overall, the Primos Big Buck rattling bag is a great call that packs realistic sound into a small size.
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Primos Fightin’ Horns – Primos’ Fightin Horns are a quality set of synthetic rattling antlers constructed with high tech polymer material to produce a realistic antler structure. With 14 contact points, these rattling antlers are designed to reproduce buck fighting sounds ranging from a light spar to an aggressive fight. The extended bases of these antlers make them easy to use without hitting your hands. The Fightin’ Horns by Primos are a quality set of rattling antlers that deliver results at an affordable price.
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Outdoor Hunting Lab Rattle Bag – Outdoor Hunting Lab’s Rattle Bag is another bag call designed to deliver results. This rattle bag is weather resistant, providing consistent and reliable sound in any environment. The lightweight design is convenient for carrying in your pack and takes up little room compared to a full set of rattling antlers. The reinforced mesh bag gives it a quality feel that is designed to hold up for many years of use. For a reliable and simple-to-use rattle bag, this call from Outdoor Hunting Lab does not disappoint.
Knight and Hale Pack Rack – Knight and Hale’s Pack Rack rattling call is unique in its shape and design. This call is made to produce the same realistic rattling sounds as full-size antlers, while at the same time being able to easily fit in a pack or pocket. Even with its compact design, the Pack Rack is able to produce intense rattling sequences at loud volumes. This is the perfect call to throw in your pack and not worry about it taking up much room.
Tips for Rattling in Big Bucks
- Make It Realistic – The key to effectively rattling in a mature buck is to make it sound realistic. In some instances, rattling from high in a treestand can make bucks weary if they are able to pinpoint the sound from above. When bucks fight, it is not just the sounds of antlers clashing together. If you are hunting from the ground, try reenacting an aggressive buck fight by rustling leaves, shaking small trees and tearing up the ground to add a realistic sound to your rattling sequence.
- Conceal Movement – Before rattling, make sure to scan the immediate areas to ensure there are no bucks in sight. Since rattling requires hand and arm movement, there is a greater chance of bucks spotting you if they are close enough. Bucks, and does, will key in on any movement they see and immediately pick you off in a treestand.
- Don’t Rattle Too Much – As effective as rattling can be in some instances, you can also overdo it. Short 10-30 second rattling sequences every 30 minutes can be an effective strategy during early and peak periods of the whitetail rut. On public land, deer are generally wearier of calling and can easily spook if they hear too much rattling. Also, the tone that different sizes of rattling antlers make plays a role in deer responses. For example, rattling with a smaller set of antlers may attract smaller bucks and not be of any interest to large bucks. On the other hand, rattling with a large set of antlers from a trophy buck, may scare off other nice quality bucks in the area that are more timid or less aggressive.
- Be Ready! – Last but not least, be alert after rattling! Depending on the phase of the rut and the personality of a buck, an aggressive buck may come running in during or immediately after rattling. Make sure you’re paying attention and have your bow in hand!
As you have read, rattling can be an effective method for bringing in mature bucks during periods of the pre-rut and peak-rut. The products and strategies discussed in this article should help you understand the basics of rattling in bucks and help you decide which is the best rattling method for you. For related articles, check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!