Real Antlers or Fake?

[BuckMaster]

Has anyone had more success with using real antlers to rattle in deer or the fakes you can get at most sporting goods stores?



I have used real antlers for years now and have only really had them work twice. I know that it also depends on your hunting areas Buck-to-Doe ratio. I have been thinking about trying some of the monster fakes.



I also have a rattle bag. ANYONE?

[mdbowhuntr]

I've got a rattle bag but only used it once. I had a nice 8 pt come in but I don't know if he was responding to the rattle and grunts or just happened to be passing through.

[Hardcorehunter]

I have used synthetic but will try real this year. Every antler has a different sound real or fake. Size, weight, mass, length all produce different sounds. I think the act of rattling is more important than what you use to rattle.

[THE DEER HUNTER]

I haven't had alot of luck with them, but when I did, it was with the real thing. Think that too many people around me are using rattling - spooking the deer.

[mikeymoose0]

I have all three and have yet to have a buck come to any of them.
But where I hunt the does far out number the bucks. I often wonder if that is why the people I hunt with joke and call me the doe king I have only taken three big bucks here in Maryland sence I started hunting in 1994 in this state and so meny does I have lost count LOL.

[BassGuitarGuy]

you would think real antlers would work better if they do make seperate sounds because thats what there used to hearing

[bowhntrtom]

I have used the fake ones for years now and have had them work but it has to be in a place with out a lot of calling. Like any other animal they learn quick. I read an article last season about rattling and it stated that real antlers are the best to use but they loose there tone after two years and should not be used any more then that. Take it for what its worth, they still sound better than plastic, and I hate the bags they sound like hell.

[Hardcorehunter]

Agree, bags are terrible. Almost all of my antlers are more than two years old, some over 25 years old. They sound the same to me, but I'm no expert.

[jville]

The bag just dos'nt sound right out in the field.

[THE DEER HUNTER]

I've never had much luck rattling anyway, but I would have to agree that the real ones sound better. They are a bit bulkier to carry though. One trick that I heard is to soak them in water prior to use - it is supposed to make them sound more realistic.

[JARHEAD]

The real one sound so much better. The water is to make them louder. That bag is just what it is a bag of s**t. Used once and left it in the woods . wonder if Bill is going to use his for rattling?? ;D ;D

[BIG FOX]

yeah cut it off at the bases... what the heck

[bowhntrtom]

Heres a trick I just learned and it works pretty well. When your up in your stand tie your antlers onto a rope and lower them to the ground. When you rattle just jerk up and down on the string. The antlers bang together but they also thrash around the leaves and hit the ground. It sounds pretty good with the leaves and everything. Plus its harder for approaching deer to see and it keeps you movment down in the stand.
Just another trick for your grab bag.

[THE DEER HUNTER]

I like that. Think I will try it. Thanks for the tip!