When Texas’ Larry Weishuhn, aka Mr. Whitetail, started touting rattling antlers more than 20 years ago as a tactic to bring in big bucks, deer hunters went crazy over the idea.
In recent years, rattling seems to have tapered off considerably.
So, is the tactic still worth using?
“Rattling will be a viable hunting technique as long as there are white-tailed bucks around,” Weishuhn said.
Well that settles that, right?
Here are Weishuhn’s tips for rattling success.
“Try to imitate and duplicate what the bucks are doing,” Weishuhn said. “If there is lots of rubbing, then rub trees and barely tickle horns together. Do this during the time bucks are splitting up from bachelor groups. As the rut gets closer, rattle more aggressively and make a lot of noise. Try rattling for short periods of time, and if that doesn’t work then rattle longer. Also, rattle about every hour during the day.
“Always set up so you can see bucks approaching from your left and right, watching basically downwind. If hunting where there are lots of trees, then hunt with a trusted partner and send him up a tree about 20 to 30 yards in front of your position, downwind of the rattler to watch for whatever may come in.”
Weishuhn, who uses synthetic rattling horns called “Rattling Forks” suggests using a rattle and move tactic.
“When rattling and moving, wait a minimum of 30 minutes after you quit rattling before moving on,” he said. “Don’t give up on rattling.”
Rattling has been a buck hunting strategy tried and nearly perfected in Texas, but it can work anywhere. I have met some Mississippi deer hunters who have dabbled in rattling, but few concentrated efforts.
If you’ll get some rattling horns and try it using Mr. Whitetail’s suggestions, the challenge might prove worth the effort.
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