I pack and use simple but effective gear every day that I hunt the whitetail rut:

  • Carry a grunt call and use it every day. Hunters grunt in and shoot many giant bucks each November. Most any tube will do the job.
  • I lay trails and set wicks with Mega-Tarsal Plus buck scent, and Special Golden Estrus doe near my stands. Make sure to use synthetic deer lure  if your state requires it.
  • You can bring in a buck with a rattle bag or box, but nothing beats real antlers. Antlers off a 130- to 140-class buck are good. They have enough mass and tines to mimic the deep thudding and grinding of two mature bucks. Most realistic.