I was just wondering how you like to do your rattling. How long, how loud, how often, does it matter depending on rut cycle, where to setup, etc.. I've started experimenting with rattling this season and haven't had any luck so far, and this is the last week :depressed: and I'am hoping to get a few more ideas to help bring home aa animal.
I started messing around with rattling antlers in 1985. My best results usually have been with trying to imitate an actual buck fight, loud and vicious. I usually rattle for 45 to 60 seconds then wait 5 minutes. If nothing shows I rattle for 30 seconds then wait up to 10 minutes. If I'm in a hot looking area I'll give it another try and then wait 10 minutes longer.
Be ready! A buck will come in anywhere from the first crack of the antlers up to 30 minutes after you start. I sometimes get caught rattling during the 2nd session. It's been my experience that bucks will come running to the sound, but stop and listen when you stop rattling. But when you start rattling the 2nd time they come charging in and catch you.
Downwind of a trail intersection, a saddle on a ridge, a strip of timber between two clearcuts are all good. Basically any area with fresh buck sign and a resident doe herd.
I've had bucks respond to rattling from Oct 28th to Jan 6th, with the majority being the last two weeks of November. I just received an e-mail from a friend who's dad killed a big buck last Friday at 10 yards. He spotted the buck cruising up a trail doing his best Black Lab imitation with it's nose on the ground.
I agree with sliver picker about getting busted on the second rattle. I usually make a lot of noise on the first rattle. Don't be afraid to pound the ground and rake the brush and trees with your horns. For my second rattle I just "tickle" the tips. It makes the rattling sound farther off and keeps the deer coming in with less movement on your part you're less likely to get busted. I saw that on the outdoor channel a few years ago and it works.
I agree!!!!!! I shot my whitetail in eastern washington this year mainly because of rattleing. The rut was not on very hard yet. But I just started rattleing as hard as I could to simulate a real fight. Within about 10 minutes here came a four on the beam with eye guards within 20 yrds !! Mainly for Blacktail and whitetail it is the rut and curiosity that will bring them in on rattling. But blacktail tend to be a little more weary than whitetail.
Rattling questions
I've started experimenting with rattling this season and haven't had any luck so far, and this is the last week :depressed: and I'am hoping to get a few more ideas to help bring home aa animal. 
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