The only thing I've ever rattled in was one dink buck. No faith in rattling. Every deer in the 1 mile radius knows something is up. I was taught to be super stealthy not noisy as hell. I've had way better luck with a hot doe can call during the rut. I use it quietly in my pocket to start out so as not to scare the closer deer away. Once I figure out nothing is real close I will take it out of my pocket and use it in the open. Surprising how they can hear that thing in the quiet cool morning air. I've had success with this method for bucks of all sizes. Just don't overdo it.
Bow hunting bucks in the rut, doesn't get much better than that!
Im not sure about rattling, never really tried it. I did call in a small buck ( 110) a week ago with a estrus call and grunting. It was pretty neat, guy came from 150 yards away on a be line to my stand. Ended up walking right under.
I might try it this weekend. We'll see. If the wind forecast stays the same, I might punt and drive a couple hours to spend a night in the truck and hunt some public land that has worked in the past. With rifle opener a week away, it could be prime time for a bow hunter...
Going to try it tomorrow night. Cold with a north wind and chance of snow. Deer should be on their feet and moving. I think the cows were finally moved out of the coolie too so pretty pumped about that.