Question from a reader: Mike, what kind of rattling antlers do you use? Do the little bags and boxes work, or are they gimmicks?—Joe from PA

Joe: I use a set of 140-class sheds from a mature buck I missed with my bow out on the Milk River some years ago. A buddy found the sheds the spring after I missed the old deer the previous October and made the set for me. (Picture shows me with those sheds and a buck I rattled in but did not miss this time:)

Those horns are perfect, with good mass and thick tines to make the deep thudding and grinding sounds of two mature bucks locked up. You need a good-size set, 125-145 range, anything larger is probably overkill. Make sure you grind off any brow tines so you won’t mash your knuckles as you rattle. I don’t like small horns; they might be easier to carry but they aren’t loud enough and “tinkle” too much for me.

That said, I have rattled in a few bucks with small bags and boxes. They don’t have a lot of volume, but if you’re set up in timber with good acoustics, they can work. And no doubt, they are easier to carry and use in a tree stand and while bowhunting.

Here’s a link to a blog I wrote awhile back for some good science and ratting tips that you should try this rut.