For many hunters, the rattle of antlers is an integral part of the big buck’s psyche and the idea of hunting and hunting without a rattle seems almost unreal. Getting the best buck rattle to start rattling can make it easier to ambush those hard-to-get-to bucks that appear all too timid when you are not racking the woods.
Thankfully, rattling antlers for deer are easy to make and use. Whether you get a commercial rattling buck deer antlers set or buy one off the rack at one of your go-to hunting stores, the option you choose will make your hunting experience better. Knowing which bow deer antlers to use will ensure that, which ever option you choose, you’ll be able to land the big buck that you’ve been dreaming about for so long.
In fact, if you’re set on slaying a buck, it’s definitely time to take control of your destiny and start putting the right tools to work for you. The right buck rattling antlers will get you the bucks exactly where you want them, when you want them, and it’s up to you to show up and blaze the trail.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Illusion Systems Black Rack | Best Overall |  |
| Primos Big Bucks Bag Call | Budget Pick |  |
| Rattling Forks | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Illusion Systems Black Rack
Pros:
- Easy to use buck scent
- Deer antler design
- Clean, Natural Scent
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not realistic looking
Would you be interested in having a rack that doesn’t cover your real rack? This is possible thanks to Illusion Systems Black Rack, which is a set of natural deer antler rattling racks for whitetail bucks.
Your natural rack will be on display, but you have the chance to improve your performance in the woods and lure in bucks from a distance. The antler rattling is as old as whitetail hunting itself, but there are many who are skeptical about it and ask why it doesn’t work for everyone.
Well, it works for those who use it right, and this includes picking the right rack, the right scent, and the perfect location.
2. Primos Big Bucks Bag Call
Pros:
- Quiet
- Durable, sensitive predator call
- Can be used without a mouth call
- Waterproof
- Loud, realistic sounds
As predator hunters, we’ll do whatever it takes to catch that shotgun-shaking monster buck.
And to attract them to where we’ve placed our stands, we use rattling antlers to help bring them in.
The type of antlers we use not only help to attract the buck our way, but they’re also crucial in preparing for the kill.
3. Flextone Battle Bones Whitetail Rattling Horns
Pros:
- Made from quality materials
- Acceptable packaging
- Locks in place
- Well balanced
- Two different rattles on each side
You’ll be happy with the sound of these rattling horns. They’ll easily draw in the bucks.
We really like the easy installation.
If you’re looking for one of the best rattling horns, you’ll be satisfied with the Flextone Battle Bones Whitetail Rattling Horns. It’s budget-friendly and the quality of the sound is pretty good.
4. Rattling Forks
Pros:
- 100% made in the USA
- Affordable
- Highly reliable and effective
- Best choice of rattling antlers
The Rattling Forks are the very best rattling antlers made in the USA. Due to their light weight, these antlers are the ideal choice for most of you because they prevent your hands from getting bruised by heavy antlers, and their light weight mean they are easy to throw.
They’re easy to position and conceal, which makes them an ideal choice for those who are new to the sport of rattling, because they make it easier for them to master the art of rattling. These antlers are available in different sizes and shapes, which means you can choose an extension that perfectly match your hunting style.
These extensions are available in different colors and patterns, and the best part about them is that you can choose the color you like most depending on the type of game and hunting style you’ve got. One thing you’ll love about these rattling antlers is that their clatter is nothing like you’ve ever heard from other rattling antlers.
5. Knight & Hale Da Bonehead Deer Rattle Call
Pros:
- Compact enough to go in your pocket
- Has a pitch control screw
- Loud enough for your buck to hear it from 450 yards away
- Reasonably priced
If you’re looking for the best rattling antler to attract your buck then look no further than the Knight & Hale Da Bonehead Deer Rattle.
This rattle produces a sound that can be heard for over half a mile away. It punches through any and all wind conditions.
This rattle also features an adjustable pitch screw adjustment, which can be set according to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you rattle horns for bucks?
If you hunt with a rifle, you have to be in a very close range to the animal in order to make a humane headshot. However, when hunting with a bow, you are not required to shoot from such a close distance. Due to the fact you only need to fire from a short distance to have a successful shot, you can utilize your rattle horns. This will help you to lure in a buck much quicker.
This is particularly helpful for bow season because the deer are more vulnerable … and more easily fooled by the sound you are making. They will often approach a hunter they think will be easy pickings, but the deer are usually cautious when a hunter is within a few feet of them.
What time of day should you rattle for bucks?
You'll find the whitetail bucks at their peak of activity during the mid to late mornings so that's generally when you will want to be out rattling.
Also keep an eye out for fresh scrapes or other sign of deer activity as the rattle will also alert any deer within earshot to your presence. Just remember that rattling is a challenging task and may take several tries before you are successful in drawing in a buck.
What is the best buck lure?
The best buck lures will always come down to personal preference. One of the cool things about buck lures is that you can create your own and have it be just as effective. If you want to make your own buck lure, then there are two components you need to pay attention to –– a deer attractant and a container.
Buck attractants come in many different forms. Popular ingredients for homemade attractants are glands, saliva, digestive fluid, urine, and glandular fluid from other animals. If you’re looking for something more commercially produced, then I recommend trying out this combo product produced by the experts at Buck Bomb: Buckshot Spray and Buck Bomb Doe In Estrus.
When should I start grunting and rattling?
Does it work all the time?
A buck wanderer will usually start grunting within a mile or two of your stand. They can hear you grunt and it will cause him to strike a doe's box or make some other type of contact call, letting you know that you are close by.
If you only have one buck grunt, then get it in the air as soon as he starts grunting. If you have multiple bucks in hearing range, then try to call in the buck that is closest to your stand.
I tend to use the grunt call more often than the box call. If you’re on the ground, then the grunt will probably be the only call you can hear. A big buck can be pretty far away and probably won’t be able to hear your box call if you're from the ground.
Conclusion
The length of any rattling antler is determined by the distance between the antler tines. Obviously this distance varies from antler to antler, but it is typically around 1-1 1/2 inches. Rattling antlers are most effective when the antler is moving in a circular pattern in front of the hunter. When the antler is moving in a circular pattern, the buck thinks another buck is nearby and responds by moving in the direction of the antler’s motion. Try to vary the speed of the antler’s motion, pausing for a split second at random points to simulate the buck sensing another buck.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Illusion Systems Black Rack | Best Overall | |
| Primos Big Bucks Bag Call | Budget Pick | |
| Rattling Forks | Upgrade Pick | |