Learn how to call deer

In Quebec, from the end of October to the end of November (depending on where you are in this immense province), is the rut period for white-tailed deer (often simply called deer).

During the rut, the doe is able to conceive for only 24 to 26 hours. She must make sure that there will be a male in the area to cover for her. If there isn't, she will bleat softly to call a buck for mating. Generally, does bleat at dawn.

In hunting equipment shops, you will find animal calls that will allow you to imitate a doe's bleating. The least expensive and simplest call to use is made of two pieces of plastic around which are wrapped elastic bands.

It is nonetheless essential that you know another important call: the male deer's grunt call. This call attracts middle-aged males looking to measure up against the old local buck in the hope of seizing its breeding grounds and the rutting does that are on it. Don't forget that each year, middle-aged males make up 90% of the hunters' harvest. In a specialized shop, you will find animal calls that will allow you to imitate a deer's grunt.

Males cannot resist the grunt, especially those who experience the desire to mate for the first time. These young males will quickly respond to your call. You can also imitate a grunt to stop a deer that was passing near you, to attract it closer. But be careful: the grunt call must be very soft and barely audible. Do not repeat the calls too often and wait four to five minutes between each call.

Another excellent technique to provoke bucks is rattling, which I explained to you in a previous column.