High-Volume Calls
I can't begin to tell you how many grunt calls I've tried during the years. I can tell you, though, that some never made it into the woods because they lacked volume. That's not to say you must call loud, however. On the contrary, loud grunts could spoil an opportunity. Nonetheless, you must have a call capable of producing volume.

The author prefers to call only when a buck is in sight. Blind calling, although sometimes effective, will most likely educate the deer in your hunting area.

Seldom are conditions perfect when the time comes to grunt. It could be windy, but even a gentle breeze affects how far your sound carries. It's also true that the buck you grunt to could be moving through noisy leaves or brush. Distance is another factor that will determine how far your call will carry. I sincerely believe that many archery hunters assume a buck isn't interested in grunts when, in fact, the buck probably didn't hear them.

Many manufacturers offer high-volume calls. You can easily tone down the call with your hand, or by blowing more gently. However, you cannot make a low-volume call produce loud grunts. For this reason, carry a call that is capable of high volume in case it's needed (and it usually is).

Getting His Attention
As mentioned previously, many bucks do not hear the grunts produced by a hunter. Grunts are not high-frequency sounds. Thus, you must make certain you study a buck's reaction to your grunts.

Even if a buck doesn't respond to your grunts, he will likely take notice. Bucks in pursuit of a doe or another buck might not, but you can bet a lone, passing buck will stop when he hears a grunt.

I always watch the buck closely. If he suddenly stops, I can be certain he heard the grunt. If he continues moving, I grunt louder, and sometimes longer allowing the grunt to last for a couple of seconds. However, I don't stop there. Once I know the buck heard me, I grunt again to allow him to pinpoint my position. Then, it's up to him to make the next move. If you continue grunting, you will likely arouse suspicion.

The Downwind Syndrome
Every archery hunter knows they must hunt where the wind is favorable. However, that's not to say a buck won't pass by you through a crosswind. I often get by without a buck scenting me as they pass through the downwind slot, but the last thing you want to do is grunt to a buck when he's there.

Grunting to a buck downwind could be compared to telling him exactly where you are. Moreover, you will do just that if you grunt, since he will approach with the wind in his face.

This is precisely why many veteran hunters monitor wind direction as the hunt progresses. If a buck is downwind, make sure you grunt before he gets there, or after he passes through the downwind side. More than likely, you will have to forego the calling attempt, but this is much better than making certain the buck won't respond on another day.