What Are the Best Deer Calls for Pre-Rut Success?

We've talked about some tips to hunt whitetail before the rut, but today, let's look specifically at calling them in and the best deer calls for pre-rut success.

What is the Pre-Rut (and When Is It)?

It can vary by region, but here in southern Indiana, some bucks begin to make scrapes in early October.

Things really start to heat up towards the end of October, with Halloween being the time that I start to get serious.

During this time, bucks have split from the others and start traveling outside of their summer residence. With testosterone climbing with each passing day, they start to establish dominance amongst themselves.

Following the does is always a good idea if you’re looking to fill that buck tag because the bucks will set their territory where the does reside.

Look for scrape and rub activity, which indicates the presence of a patrolling buck in the area.

You’ll even start to notice more frequent daylight activity from more mature bucks. These bucks are out looking for love that is influenced by rising testosterone levels, but the does aren’t quite ready yet to be submissive.

What is the Best Call to Use in Pre-Rut Hunts?

Calling can be essential during this time, but knowing how to call during the pre rut is crucial. 

Some key calling can be the difference in seeing a buck and harvesting one. Pre-rut is when things start to kick off, but rutting activity is yet to be in full swing. Soft calling is the key to success during this time. 

Soft Rattling

I enjoy soft rattling by either tickling the antlers together or softly rubbing a rattle bag. This imitates bucks getting a feel for one another organizing each other up. Deer are naturally curious and a lot of times will come to investigate the commotion.

Remember: In pre-rut, you want to sound as realistic as possible.

Generally, the weather is pretty warm this time in my region, causing deer activity and movement to be low. Rattle when you know deer activity is likely. For me, that would be early in the morning until about 10 a.m. and about two hours before sundown.

Soft Grunts

Soft grunts are another good approach to take for pre rut deer vocalizations to draw in those bucks.

However, I never blindly use a grunt tube. I only use it when a buck is out of range or traveling away from your location.

Start out soft. Then, if he acknowledges your call by stopping and looking, you’ve done enough. He will determine whether or not to come in or ignore your efforts.

You can escalate the tone and volume of a grunt if he continues traveling away, but he will ultimately decide to come in or continue on.

Snort Wheezes

A last-ditch effort would be to throw a snort wheeze call at him if he’s a mature buck.

A snort wheeze call is one of my favorite calling tactics. It’s more of an aggressive calling approach, and I’ve even spooked off mature bucks while using it. You’re basically telling a buck, “Hey, I’m the dominant one in the area and you’re trespassing in my territory.”

Consider Doe Bleats

Doe bleats can be a vital call to carry in your arsenal. Although I have found less success while using one, I know others have had excellent luck using one.

My preferred method of a doe bleat is when the rattling and grunting didn’t bring in the buck. Bleating can be helpful in combination with a few soft grunts. You can also combine doe bleats with what is referred to as a buck roar, or to put it simply, a longer drawn-out grunt. This resembles an irritated buck trying to get the doe to become submissive.

Should You Use Fawn Distress Calls?

If harvesting meat early on is a goal you have, using a fawn in distress call can bring in a doe, if not multiple. However, finding yourself in this position can be tricky, so be careful because those girls come in quickly and are on high alert.

How Do I Call Deer in the Pre-Rut?

The biggest piece to solving this puzzle is to avoid over-calling and blind calling. Again, try to sound as natural as possible.

Deer aren’t dumb and can recognize if something sounds realistic or not.

This leads me to one point I’d like to mention: When bucks spar, they tend to make much more noise than with just their antlers. If possible, get on the ground and rustle some leaves a bit while rattling, even break a few sticks and bump a small sapling or two.

Use Lures

Combining lures with calls can help spice up the realism of calling.

Lures come in the forms of doe urine, doe in estrus, dominant buck, buck tarsal gland, mock scrape, and more. Some hunters use drag lines and hang scent wicks.

Personally, I prefer to use lure primarily on drip tubes near a trail camera. If I use it while hunting, my tactic is to mist some into the wind every 30 minutes or so.

There are many different lure companies on the market now, and I have tried just about all of them over the years. Some are the real deal, but most are synthetic or diluted.

My personal favorite is a brand called VanMeter & Son Lures, which is 100% natural. I’ve had good success with those.

Use HuntWise and These Deer Calling Tips Pre Rut This Season

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not you should download HuntWise, then hear me out.

Some of my favorite features are the obvious property lines, land ownership, and highlighted public lands. However, a most-used feature in the app for me is the LiDAR map layer used in conjunction with WindCast.

HuntWise offers a free 7-day trial so you can explore these features (and more). 
Download it today and give it a spin by exploring the multitude of features it has to offer. It’s an easy, user-friendly app that will give you that extra edge this hunting season — even during the pre-rut

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about the best deer calls for pre-rut success. 

Q: What is the best call to use in pre-rut?

A: A grunt call is best during the pre-rut. It mimics bucks asserting dominance and can draw in curious rivals.

Q: How do I call deer in the pre-rut?

A: Use short, soft grunts and the occasional tending grunt. Mix in light rattling or doe bleats to sound natural and spark interest.

Q: What sounds do bucks make during pre-rut?

A: Bucks commonly make contact grunts, tending grunts, and light rattling sounds as they establish dominance and seek does.

Q: When should you use a grunt tube?

A: Use a grunt tube during the pre-rut and rut when bucks are active and responsive to vocalizations. Do this especially near dawn and dusk.

Q: How do you attract bucks during the pre-rut?

A: Combine grunt calls with mock scrapes, doe scent, and strategic stand placement near travel corridors or rub lines to pull bucks into range.