Mule deer grunting/rattling??

[mathewsman]

Do mulies grunt and rattle like whitetails? If so, when do they start generally? With the rut fast approaching, I'm just wondering if this is a useful tactic for mulies from the middle to the end of October as the bucks begin to establish the pecking order for does.

 

[trevriv]

I have heard muleys grunt, but not sure if it is an effective way of hunting them. I have had them stop dead in their tracks when I grunt at them for a shot but have never had one come to a grunt. That said, I have never hunted them during the rut either. I have no experience with rattling but would think that it would probably peak a bucks interest. I am very interested to hear everybody elses thoughts on this as I have often wondered the same thing.

 

[2lumpy]

LAST EDITED ON Oct-07-09 AT 10:40PM (MST)[p]Couldn't give you a definitive answer because I've only tried it about three times, and not for a very long time, each time. However, one of those times was during the post-rut and three mature bucks came in like they where on a string. They trotted right-up, 20 yards away - stood right there and watched me for 3 or 4 minutes.

I have no idea if the rattling had anything to do with their coming in, they could have simply been headed my direction already but it sure looked like they were curious when they topped the ridge and trotted over.

I figure I'd give it another try sometime, if the situation was right. Nothing to loose if there isn't any thing else going on and you know there should be bucks in the area somewhere.

I've tried grunting a time or two as well, sometimes they pause and look for the sound other times they take off like they've been shot at. So I guess, if it's a last resort at stopping a buck from taking off I might give it a try. What do you have to loose if he's already getting ready to blow cover?

FWIW.

DC

 

[Saskman]

I have grunted and rattled for muleys quite a bit. Works quite well. I use it for taking photos during the rut. Bucks will respond readily to both grunting and rattling. It can be hot and cold though like anything else. One day they will run you over coming in and the next you won't have a thing respond. If they know you are in the area don't expect it to work but if you can set up over areas you know hold bucks and you can get there undetected it will work. For me I have had the best luck in the first couple weeks of November. Another trick I have used for bringing bucks into photo range when they are with a doe and I can't get any closer is to use a fawn in distress call. It will draw the doe in and the buck will follow. The fawn in distress call won't work on lone bucks though. Most times with the distress call the deer are within rifle range already though, just not photography range.

 

[slider]

I have tried rattling and grunting in WA. and OR. Not much luck? I quess it depends on where you live? I have called in a couple smaller bucks and a doe thou. And yes Mule Deer grunt.
A grunt tube will stop a running Mulie buck in his tracks. As was already said. I have done it numerous times.

www.albinovest.com http://huntfishwa.com/

 

[northslope801]

Well Nate...Looks like last night put an end to this debate! Nice shot! It was fun to be a part of it!

 

[mathewsman]

Always thought it would work (under the right conditions), just hadn't tried it much. That buck came in like he was on a string! Fun day yesterday! Thanks for your help. Now get it done on tuesday so I can repay the favor.
Nate