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Maternal/Neonatal
The Maternal/Neonatal calls are used by the doe and its fawns to communicate
with each other. The Maternal Grunt sounds much like any other grunt,
and is used by the doe to tell the fawn it is near or used to locate the
fawn for feeding. Because it sounds similar to other grunts the Maternal
Grunt will attract any deer, especially bucks during the rut. The Fawn
Mew is used by a fawn as a response to the Maternal Grunt, or it is used
when the fawn wants attention. The Bleat is a louder form of the Mew and
is given when the fawn wants urgent attention (used as a fawn version
of the distress call), or when it wants to be fed. The Nursing Whine is
performed while the fawn is actually nursing. These calls may attract
does out of maternal instinct, and young deer or small bucks out of curiosity.
Agonistic Calls
The Grunt is the first level of aggression, but it is used by all deer
regularly and will attract any deer, especially bucks of all ages throughout
the rut. The Grunt-Snort is the next level of aggression and is used primarily
by bucks during the breeding season in buck encounters. Because it often
occurs when two bucks are in conflict over an estrus doe it will attract
bucks, especially dominants, from the time velvet is shed until the end
of the second breeding phase. The Grunt-Snort can be used in conjunction
with rattling to simulate a fight or a buck making a rage rub. The Grunt-Snort-Wheeze
is the highest level of aggression and is performed primarily by bucks
before a charge, leg kick or fight. It may scare off lesser bucks, while
attracting a dominant when used near its rubs and scrapes, or it can be
used to stop a buck with an estrus doe. the Grunt-Snort-Wheeze is best
used when hunting only for dominant bucks, from the time they shed their
velvet through the late breeding period.
Mating Calls
Because Mating calls are associated with breeding they may attract any
buck looking for a doe, especially dominants wanting to find out what
other buck is in the area. The Tending Grunt is performed when a buck
is following, or with an estrus doe, warning all other bucks to stay away.
I have heard bucks make one short grunt while with a doe; several grunts
(almost with every stride); and a long drawn out (7 second) grunt while
trotting after a doe. The Flehmen gesture or sniff is performed by a buck
when it is inhaling urine to check for estrogen, often while trailing
or with a doe. Because both the Tending Grunt and the Flehmen Sniff indicate
a nearby estrus doe, most bucks in the area will respond throughout the
rut, especially dominants. However, young bucks may avoid the area of
this call, fearing an encounter with a dominant buck.
Contact Calls
The Contact Call or Social Grunt is by nature non-threatening, because
it is used to locate other deer. Any deer may respond out of curiosity,
especially bucks, throughout the rut. In Marchinton's study no doe in
heat or doe breeding call was noted, although many call manufacturers
contend there is one. The sound of the call they claim is an estrus doe
bleat may actually be the Social Grunt, which is louder and longer than
normal and is used to locate other deer, therefore it attracts bucks during
the rut.
T.R.'s Tips: What Call For Which Deer
Determining what call to use when you are hunting White-tailed Deer is
not a matter of which rut phase you are hunting, but which sex and age
class of deer you want to attract. Does respond to distress calls and
Maternal/Neonatal calls primarily out of maternal instinct. All bucks
respond to any call, which may lead them to an estrus doe; a Social Grunt
or Low Grunt. Dominant bucks also respond to Mating calls and aggressive
grunts out of the desire to exert dominance. Subdominant bucks may respond
to these same calls during the breeding phase, but they may not respond
because they are afraid of encountering a dominant. If you are hunting
for any legal buck it may best not to use mating calls or aggressive grunts.
There are basically four different techniques for calling deer that can
be used anytime during the rut. The fourth technique is not as effective
during the Rest Phase and Post Rut because the bucks are exhausted, not
as aggressive, and not as interested in breeding.
1. Distress Call or
Fawn Bawl for does and young bucks.
2. Social or Low Grunt
for any deer.
3. Social/Low/Tending
Grunt for all bucks.
4. Social/Low/Tending
Grunt or Grunt Snort for dominant bucks.
This article contains excerpts from the Whitetail Addict's Manual ($19.95
+ $5.00 S&H), by T.R. Michels.
T.R. Michels, Trinity Mountain Outdoors
PO Box 284, Wanamingo, MN 55983
507-824-3296 trmichels@yahoo.com
SS 474-54-8219
T.R. Michels is a
nationally recognized game researcher/wildlife behaviorist, outdoor writer
and speaker. He is the author of the Whitetail, Elk, Duck & Goose,
and Turkey Addict's Manuals. His latest products are the 2003 Revised
Edition of the Whitetail Addict's Manual, the 2003 Revised Edition of
the Elk Addict's Manual; and the 2003 Revised Edition of the Duck &
Goose Addict's Manual. For a catalog of books and other hunting products
contact: T.R. Michels, Trinity Mountain Outdoors, PO Box 284, Wanamingo,
MN 55983, USA. Phone: 507-824-3296, E-mail: trmichels@yahoo.com, Website:
www.TRMichels.com
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