Let one get by...is it to late to be rattling

Had one get around me today, and kinda makes me think it's time to put the horns down. Kinda weird how it all went down. I got settled in on a nice spot by the creek and pulled out the horns. Around 3 PM I hit em and I immediately heard him behind me, he must have snuck in and been there the whole time. He went right behind me about 30 yards me and into the pines, watched him sneak along up the hill. I've heard that after the Bucks get to a point in Rut the horns are a bad idea cause the Bucks avoid fighting and only want to find the Does. This deer didn't really seem to be spooked, he just didn't want any part of that fight. You guys ever seen this

Never had any luck in Bama, but had a 140 leave a doe and come to me from 300 yds looking to fight in Missouri. Know that is a different world, but best I could give.

Never rattled much in Bama since I really didn't have the right buck to doe ratio where I hunted. In Michigan I had success during the rut though. Had a 7pt run up less than 8yds from behind once while I was tearing up a bush. Not cool seeing a bristled up buck behind you with a set of horns in your hand and bow on the ground, lol.

a buck will come to the horns any time of the season. During the rut they will come to see if they can whip the bucks arse or steal the doe. Post rut bucks are usually the hardest to rattle in, it takes very light rattling, low noise, to get em in. Sometimes rattling post rut will push em away from you.

You can't ever tell about a deer. I personally think tickling the antlers a little is never a bad idea. Just don't over do it. Sounds to me like you had a buck come breezing through, if he came up quickly to 30yds behind you right after a rattle.

I think I'd be trying if he's headed away. Nothing to lose!