Just an informal survey....

Do you use one? All the time or only during/near the rut?

How loud or quiet do you grunt?

Do you find it effective?


Myself, I have mixed results. The other week, at dark I had a 4pt in front of my stand. I was ready to get down but didn't want to spook him. Whistled a few times, hissed a few, no effect. Grunted a few times, he would just put his nose in the air and go back to grazing. Had to runt ridiculously loud for him to finally realize something was up and walk away. Granted, our rut is just getting started this week or so.

I always have one on me when hunting,

It has never helped me or hurt me (that I know of)

Used one this morning to turn an 8 point my direction. I use them with varying results. It is usually louder than you might expect to get their attention.

You are correct our rut is getting started. Saw the first chasing this morning

Depends on what part of the state, north to south. Central MS area seems to peak in the week between Christmas and new years.

I’m hunting in the south delta north of Vicksburg

I carry a grunt tube and a coyote call with me.  I often sneak in on bedded deer in open country.  When I am set up it's a waiting game for them to stand and give me a shot.

I'll use the grunt tube to wake them up.  It's a natural sound and doesn't alarm them.  They'll wake, look around and eventually get up to stretch.  If it's really windy and they aren't hearing the tube, I'll use the coyote call. Again it's a natural sound and the get real curious about that squalling rabbit.

I have used them.  I have had success in calling in a 9 point with one.

But 99.9 percent of the time nothing happens.

I always tell people using a call is like walking into the bar and asking every lady to f@ck.  Some will slap you, most will ignore you, but every once in a while one says let's go.

They rarely work. Or rattling. At least around here. Had one grunting and two sparing yesterday with several bucks and does feeding. Not a deer raised their head to even look, much less go near them.

I've called in many a buck using a grunt tube during rut periods.

Rattling? I've has zero success with it.

I've had success grunting deer in.  Usually lone bucks cruising for doe.  I have had large and small bucks react to my grunting and come closer to check it out.  

I've had success rattling deer in.  Usually smaller bucks come to rattling...however I have had a few shooters show up looking around.  Bigger bucks are definitely suspicious if they come to rattling and don't see any deer...so using a decoy works well.  

The biggest deer I've ever had come to a call, came to a snort wheeze.  This seems to only work on larger dominant bucks.  Medium sized bucks will either not react at all or will unass the area.