It is easy to master the sound of a buck grunt, but the hard part is getting a dominant buck to respond to it. The author suggests that you choose a call that is capable of creating both high- and low-volume sounds. Photo by Vikki L. Trout

As they say, "It's now or never." That was exactly what went through my mind as I reached for the grunt tube hanging around my neck. The huge buck had walked the straight line some 70 yards from my ambush location and never showed signs of turning toward me. My only chance was to grunt and hope it worked.

Moments later, my hope of attracting the buck vanished. The gentle breeze and rustling leaves drowned the sound of the call. I forced a loud and continuous second grunt. It worked. The buck stopped in his tracks. Now came the real test. Would he respond? As the buck stared somewhat in my direction, I called with less intensity. Without hesitation, he turned and walked deliberately toward me with his ears laid back, ready to fight. I had seen this reaction many times before and was well aware that this buck was on a crash course with destiny--providing nothing went wrong.

That incident occurred last season during the pre-rut period while hunting southern Illinois. If it worked, the buck would become the fifth I had grunted into bow range during the past several years. Several other attempts had failed, but the ingredients existed for this one to work. You see, calling a buck into close yardage requires the proper conditions. Here are 10 facts you should consider to help it work for you.

When They Respond
Timing is important when grunting to a buck. I've found bucks are more likely to respond as the breeding begins--during the peak-rut. Nevertheless, there's an open window that begins about two to three weeks before the rut, and another that lasts a week after the primary breeding ends.

Granted, that's not to say that grunts wouldn't attract a buck anytime during the hunting season. They have. However, most do not respond until breeding becomes serious business. Keep in mind, once the primary rut ends, it can change for the better without notice. As some doe fawns come into estrus a few weeks later, the grunting tactic offers promise once again.

The Most Vulnerable
Insubordinate bucks are not bashful. They often begin chasing does early in pre-rut, using the "bird-dog" method of pursuit and occasionally grunting. I would assume, however, that the big boys don't take them seriously. They typically allow the young bucks to do what comes natural. The old timers know when breeding time is close, and it's then they are likely to respond to your grunts.

Young bucks are less likely to respond to your grunts, simply because they fear "who" might be grunting. I've watched several upon hearing my grunts circle at a safe distance to check out the area. Some eventually accept the risk and come in, but many young bucks never do.

On the other hand, when the right conditions exist, mature bucks often respond without asking questions. They may move toward you without circling. That is providing they know exactly where the calls came from.