Of course, the type of scent you use depends on the kind of hunting you’re doing and what phase of the season you’re in. Typically, during the early season and post-rut, doe urine is all you need to pique a buck’s interest and pull him into your area. As you move into the pre-rut, buck urine can help fire up other bucks and trigger a competitive response. During the rut, the go-to option is doe estrous scent. Just be careful-using estrous too early can spook deer because they know it isn’t natural for that time of year.
Scents
When you stay in our rental, you’re right in the center of some of the best hunting action in the country. Below are a few scent tips to help you maximize the potential of your upcoming whitetail deer hunting trip.
- Early season: Use doe urine sparingly near travel routes and field edges.
- Pre-rut: Add buck urine to introduce competition and curiosity.
- Rut: Use doe estrous scent strategically when bucks are actively searching for does.
- Post-rut: Go back to lighter, more natural scents like doe urine-keep it subtle and realistic.
Calling
A grunt tube is essential and works all season long.
- Early season: Adjust your grunt tube to sound less deep and less aggressive-more like a young buck.
- Pre-rut: Break out rattling antlers or a rattling bag. Bucks are starting to challenge one another, and even passive deer may come investigate.
- Rut: If you see a buck cruising for does, try three or four short, quick doe bleats to make him think a receptive doe is nearby. Keep light grunting and occasional rattling in the peak rut as well.
- Post-rut: As fighting winds down, every sound should communicate “safe and calm.” Use light, occasional contact grunts only when you actually see a deer moving nearby. Occasional doe bleats can help, but don’t overdo it.
For more rut tactics, check out Secret of the Rut.
Decoys
Decoys can be effective, but the key is matching them to the season.
- Early season: Consider a smaller buck decoy. Early-season bachelor groups may get curious about a lone buck.
- Pre-rut: Use a standing subordinate buck decoy placed about 20–25 feet from your stand. Position it perpendicular to you-never facing you.
- Rut: A quality buck decoy paired with tarsal scent can irritate territorial bucks. Combine this with a snort-wheeze or grunt. To step it up, add a doe decoy alongside the buck.
- Post-rut: Feeding becomes more important than breeding. A doe decoy in the open can give cautious, hunt-weary deer confidence. Avoid buck decoys during this time, as deer may still be skittish.
If you have any questions before your hunt-or want to share what’s working-contact us anytime.