Rattling preferences?

[Ethan Givan]

Was wondering what everyone prefers using. A rattling bag or real antlers. I have a rattling bag but Ive also got a nice 8 point rack and skull hanging in the garage. Im thinking about cutting the antlers off it and using them for rattling. Is there really any advantage in using the real thing over a rattling bag? What are everyones thoughts and opinions.

[Jorden]

I have a rattle bag and I like it for the convenience and the size but it sounds exactly like what it is...a bunch of wood in a bag. Ive never had any real luck bringing anything in with the bag and was thinking this year of switching to the real thing. Im interested to hear what others have to say.

[92xj]

The only thing I have used was a rattle bag. Used it once in South Carolina and called in a nice 8pt who came gruntin' and pissed off at the world straight at me. Dont think he minded that I used the bag over real antlers as he hit the ground.

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

I have better luck with real antlers (the bigger the better), but the bag will work and it's much more portable. I've also found that I need to replace my rattling antlers every 7 or 8 years. The older ones get dry and sort of clunky sounding. They just don't have that nice crisp click that live bucks have when they lock up.

[okiedog]

I have better luck with real antlers (the bigger the better), but the bag will work and it's much more portable. I've also found that I need to replace my rattling antlers every 7 or 8 years. The older ones get dry and sort of clunky sounding. They just don't have that nice crisp click that live bucks have when they lock up.

I totally agree.

[Hunt or be Hunted]

I have a bag. I like it, Have never used real ones. Mainly because I have none.

[Ethan Givan]

I have better luck with real antlers (the bigger the better), but the bag will work and it's much more portable. I've also found that I need to replace my rattling antlers every 7 or 8 years. The older ones get dry and sort of clunky sounding. They just don't have that nice crisp click that live bucks have when they lock up.

Hmmm well maybe I wont use the rack I have. They are kinda dried out as well from laying out in the sun and weather for some time before I found them. I guess I will stick to my rattling bag for now, and leave the rack hanging up in the garage. Ive got another little buck rack and skull hanging with it and they add a nice touch to the garage lol

[ChrisSeb53]

i just purchased the pack rack... sounds kind of dull if you grip it tight... but if you loosen your grip to your finger tips it sounds pretty good... purchased it mainly for the packing convenience

[Ravin R10 man]

Got a set of real antlers at every stand..also have a rattle bag in my pack along with assorted grunt calls

[ruttinbuc]

Nothing like the real thing in my opinion. Pain in the butt to carry though.

[ChasinTail]

I shot the larget buck of my life after using the rattling bag still in my pocket. I was able to make some noise through my pants pocket but not give alot of visual movement. He was looking in my general direction and I feel if I would have used real antlers he would have surely seen me.

[Jorden]

I think real antlers would be an advantage if its real windy or you wanna get really loud but as far as convenience goes the rattle bag is much easier to carry and concel.

[elkoholic]

I prefer real antlers and continue to have many more deer respond to them compared to a rattle bag. As for carrying them, with the brow tines and the tips of all the tines cut off, I find they nestle together in a day pack very nicely. I also carry a rattle bag and have used it when movement needs to be kept to a minimum. One thing to remember is that if a buck is in the right frame of mind you can bang two sticks together and they will be ready to come in and brawl, but they may be a little more discerning if they are just curious or a little on the cautious side. The more "real" it sounds the better and the approaching buck is expecting to see some movement and with the added sounds of pounding hoofs and breaking brush. The trick is, you have to see him (he will often circle to get down wind) and finish the deal before he decides to vacate the area.

[huntnfish]

Never used real ones before, always used a rattling bag. Never had much luck with rattling either. Maybe I need to switch to real ones.

[toddyboman]

I have better luck with real antlers (the bigger the better), but the bag will work and it's much more portable. I've also found that I need to replace my rattling antlers every 7 or 8 years. The older ones get dry and sort of clunky sounding. They just don't have that nice crisp click that live bucks have when they lock up.

Same here

I prefer real antlers and continue to have many more deer respond to them compared to a rattle bag. As for carrying them, with the brow tines and the tips of all the tines cut off, I find they nestle together in a day pack very nicely. I also carry a rattle bag and have used it when movement needs to be kept to a minimum. One thing to remember is that if a buck is in the right frame of mind you can bang two sticks together and they will be ready to come in and brawl, but they may be a little more discerning if they are just curious or a little on the cautious side. The more "real" it sounds the better and the approaching buck is expecting to see some movement and with the added sounds of pounding hoofs and breaking brush. The trick is, you have to see him (he will often circle to get down wind) and finish the deal before he decides to vacate the area.

I agree!