Deer hunting is not just a sport; it’s an art form that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. Among the essentials in a hunter’s arsenal are deer calls and lures. These tools can mean the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best deer calls and lures available, and how they can enhance your hunting experience.
Understanding Deer Calls
Deer calls are tools hunters use to mimic the sounds of deer to attract them. These sounds can replicate everything from a doe’s gentle bleat to the aggressive grunt of a buck. Using the right call at the right time is essential for luring your target within range.
Types of Deer Calls
Grunt Calls
Grunt calls imitate the sound of a buck. The Bone Collector Game Calls The Contender is a versatile deer grunt call perfect for all seasons. It’s known for producing realistic sounds that can attract mature bucks.
Bleat Calls
Bleat calls mimic the sound of a doe or fawn. The Bone Collector Deer Hunting Game Calls All-Season Fawn Bleat Call is specifically designed to attract deer by simulating a fawn in distress, which can draw in protective bucks or does.
Rattle Calls
Rattle calls recreate the sound of two bucks clashing antlers, which can attract deer looking to assert dominance. The Black Rack Rattling System by Illusion is a popular choice among hunters for its realistic and effective rattling sounds.
Choosing the Right Call
Selecting the right call depends on the season and the behavior of the deer you’re hunting. Early in the season, bleats can be effective, while grunt calls work well during the rut when bucks are more territorial. Rattling is often most successful when bucks are actively seeking to challenge rivals.
Mastering Deer Calling Techniques
Using a deer call effectively requires practice. Here are some tips to improve your deer calling skills:
- Know the Timing: Use bleat calls during the early season when does are more active. Grunt calls are effective during the pre-rut and rut phases.
- Volume Control: Start with low-volume calls and gradually increase if there is no response. The Flextone Outdoor Hunting Versatile Realistic Sounds Compact Volume Control is an excellent tool for managing your call’s volume.
- Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to combine different types of calls. A series of bleats followed by a grunt can be very enticing to a curious buck.
Best Lures for Deer Hunting
Lures can significantly enhance your hunting strategy by appealing to a deer’s sense of smell. The right lure can bring deer closer to your location, increasing your chances of a successful hunt.
Types of Deer Lures
Scent Lures
Scent lures are designed to mimic natural deer pheromones. They can be used to attract deer by simulating the scent of a doe in estrus or a dominant buck.
Food-Based Lures
These lures use the smell of food to attract deer. They can be particularly effective in areas where food is scarce.
Using Lures Effectively
- Placement: Place lures upwind from your location to ensure the scent travels towards the deer.
- Timing: Use estrus scents during the rut to capitalize on a buck’s natural instincts.
- Combination: Pair scent lures with calls for a more comprehensive approach.
Recommended Deer Calls & Lures
Here are some of the top-rated deer calls and lures that can enhance your hunting experience:
- Hunters Specialties Hunting True Talker OG Deer Call: Known for its realistic five common deer sounds, this call is a favorite among seasoned hunters.
- Primos The Can Family Pack: Offers a compact design for authentic doe and fawn vocalizations.
- Illusion Systems Extinguisher Deer Call and Black Rack Rattling System: This combo pack provides both calling and rattling capabilities for a comprehensive hunting approach.
Additional Tools
- Flextone Hunting Realistic Mature & Young Buck Sounds: This freeze-proof call is perfect for cold-weather hunts and offers natural bone grunt sounds.
- Outdoor Hunting Lab Deer Call for Whitetail Deer and Rattle Bag Buck Call: Combines the effectiveness of calling with the allure of rattling.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, having the right deer calls and lures in your toolkit is crucial. By understanding how to use these tools and choosing the best products for your needs, you can improve your chances of a successful hunt. Remember, the key to effective deer hunting is knowing when to call, what call to use, and how to combine your calls with lures for maximum impact.
With the right preparation and tools, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of deer hunting. Happy hunting!