I’m hunting in Walker Co. to my knowledge the rut should be winding down if not completely over with.. Do you hit the horns this time of year?

You can ways try it and see. I generally have my best luck doing that the week after Christmas and these deer are rutting now

Sometimes rattling after the first breeding can be successful. They are still looking for hot does and may come in thinking two bucks are fighting over a hot doe

I have had more luck about 10 days prior to chasing. Once chasing starts, don’t waste your time. But I have rattled a couple bucks in way late season

Just Monday, I rattled at a smaller buck that was satelliting a bigger buck and doe who were in love. Just out of curiosity and because he was bedding down in full view and I could watch him. He barely acknowledged my existence, never mind stand up and look at me. When they got a hot doe in their sights it seems like they don't give a damn 'bout nothin else..LOL!

ALWAYS carry yer rattling horns. I use smaller lighter antlers in early season, inc bow season. Wife rattled up and killed a 140" eight point several years ago with light rattling with a very small set of rattling horns. Pre rut, rut, and immediately after I rattle aggressively. Post rut is just like early season, light rattling and sparingly.I have rattled up buck in every county and phase of the rut that I have hunted. Probably five on my wall from rattling. It only works if ya try it.

Rut just stated on my property in walker county.

I’ve had luck mid morning on cold days. I like to use them where I’m able to cover ground such as clear cuts, gas lines and power lines. Around the rut works best. I’ve had less luck than more luck, and I would typically give it a try as a Hail Mary. I don’t like to tickle them during prime movement times. Make sure you watch your down wind side. If able a buck will circle you and try to sniff the ruckus out. Same philosophy as a grunt tube for me. You’ll never know unless you try, but our deer tend to be less vocal and violent then deer out in the Midwest.

I tried a little ticklin today with a decent 6 point rack today. Wind was in my face all day and pretty strong. Gonna try some tomorrow afternoon after the rain stops.

X2 I try to setup where I can see down wind a pretty good ways.

I certainly don't think it hurts to try, just do it lightly, don't try to overpower them. I generally throw in a couple grunts before and after.

I was sitting in a loc-on in a small bit of woods 70 yards off a big field. I saw a buck chasing a doe mid field, easy 200 yards from me. I grabbed my antlers and banged the hell out of them. The buck stopped, looked my way and went on chasing the doe. Thirty minutes later I see him coming STRAIGHT to my tree, shot him at under ten yards. I NEVER let a buck go by way out of range bowhunting without giving em a try with the antlers. Ya just never know.