best early season deer call

3 min read 17-12-2024

The early archery season is an exciting time for hunters. Bucks are still in their summer patterns, making them challenging but rewarding to hunt. One effective tool to increase your chances of success is using the right deer call. Choosing the best early season deer call depends on understanding deer behavior during this period. This guide will help you select the most effective calls for attracting those early season bucks.

Understanding Early Season Deer Behavior

Before diving into specific calls, let's understand what makes early season deer hunting unique. Bucks haven't yet transitioned to their rutting behaviors. Their focus is less on breeding and more on feeding and recovering from the summer. This means you need calls that mimic sounds related to their daily activities.

Less Aggression, More Feeding

In the early season, bucks are less aggressive than during the rut. Loud, aggressive calls are generally less effective. Instead, focus on calls that simulate feeding or the sounds of other deer.

Social Interactions

Early season bucks are more concerned with establishing dominance within their social groups. Subtle calls that suggest a territorial challenge or a potential mating opportunity can be effective, but use them sparingly.

Top Early Season Deer Calls

Now let's explore some of the best deer calls for early season hunting:

1. Bleat Calls

How They Work: Bleats mimic the sounds of a doe or fawn. Early season bucks will investigate bleats if they sense a vulnerable animal.
Effectiveness: Bleats are highly versatile. Short, soft bleats can simulate a fawn in distress, while longer, more drawn-out bleats can imitate a doe. Use sparingly and only in areas with known deer activity.
Best for: Attracting curious bucks who are actively searching for potential mates or investigating potential threats. Avoid overuse.

2. Grunt Calls

How They Work: Grunt calls replicate the low-pitched sounds bucks make to communicate dominance.
Effectiveness: Use grunt calls cautiously. An overly aggressive grunt call can spook a buck. Instead, use short, soft grunts to suggest a nearby buck.
Best for: Challenging a buck within earshot or suggesting the presence of a rival.

3. Snort Wheeze Calls

How They Work: This call mimics a buck's aggressive display of dominance or alarm.
Effectiveness: Generally best avoided in the early season unless you observe a buck already displaying aggression. Overuse can scare deer away.
Best for: A highly specific situation where a buck is already showing aggressive behavior and you aim to encourage him to approach. Requires experience and good judgment.

4. Doe Estrus Calls

How They Work: While not as effective as during the rut, a subtle doe in estrus bleat can still pique a buck's interest.
Effectiveness: Use these calls sparingly and strategically. A faint, suggestive call might be enough to spark curiosity without being overly aggressive.
Best for: Locations where you've witnessed recent buck activity. It's all about creating a possibility.

5. Rattling Antlers

How They Work: Simulates the sounds of bucks sparring.
Effectiveness: Generally less effective in early season compared to rut. May be more effective in areas with higher deer densities.
Best for: Could be used in conjunction with other calls. Can work in heavily wooded areas where sounds travel less.

Choosing the Right Call for the Situation

The key to early season deer calling is subtlety and patience. Avoid loud, aggressive calls that might scare deer. Focus on calls that suggest feeding, a vulnerable animal, or a subtle territorial challenge.

Location: Consider the terrain. Calls travel differently in open fields versus dense woods.
Wind: Always position yourself downwind from the deer to avoid alerting them to your presence.
Timing: Early morning and late evening are usually the most productive times for deer calling.
Experimentation: Try different calls and techniques to discover what works best in your area.

Conclusion: Early Season Success

Mastering early season deer calling requires understanding deer behavior and selecting the right tools. While a single call may not guarantee success, the combination of subtle sounds and careful placement can significantly increase your chances of bagging a mature buck before the rut. Remember to practice with your chosen calls to master the techniques and develop your own style. Good luck and happy hunting!