Right now mature bucks are chasing does and fighting off rivals.  This means they’re more likely to run into roads without heeding traffic. Watch not only when driving but also when hunting, as these bucks have one thing on their mind. If you’re out hunting right now here are three tactics to use.

Grunting: If you’re in a low pressure hunting area, grunting may be a great option during seeking and chasing. If you’re in a high-pressure area however, it may be best to not do any calling at all.

Decoy: Intently looking for hot does, bucks can respond well to decoys during this phase. 

Rattling: As testosterone levels in bucks are high at this time, they’re more likely to pick a fight, or check out and challenge other sparing bucks to show their dominance. Rattling works best in areas with higher buck to doe ratios. In areas with low buck to doe ratios rattling should be used sparingly or not at all because bucks typically don’t need to fight to find hot does.

DIY rattling antlers
Instead of carrying a full rack or paying for high dollar rattlers, make your own. 

What you need
An old boot length sock made of heavy fabric
Around a dozen hardwood dowels of varying diameters (all larger than half inch)
A saw
Zip tie

How to
Step 1: Cut dowels into 8-inch lengths. (6-inch can be used, but longer dowels make louder sounds)
Step 2: Put the dowels in the sock and zip tie the open end shut
Step 3: Use them
You can rattle with this set-up by smacking the dowels together in your hand or rolling them in your hands. Experiment to get the sounds you want.