Calling Back a Spooked Deer

Editor's Note: Brad Harris, of Neosho, Missouri, the vice president in charge of public relations for Outland Sports, the mother company of Lohman's and M.A.D. Calls as well as API tree stands and other outdoor products, has hunted deer avidly for three decades. He knows how to grunt up deer.

Question: How do you call deer you've spooked?
Answer: When you walk through the woods and see a deer bust out, many times it's running from your sound or has caught a glimpse of something and is making a break for it. If the deer hasn't identified you as being a hunter, you've got a chance to call back that deer. Many times when deer see something, they bolt, put a little distance between themselves and what they can't identify and then stop and listen to their back trail. When you see a deer bust out of an area, stop, kneel down, wait a minute or two until things calm down and throw a couple of grunts out. You'll be surprised how many deer will wonder what has spooked them, hear the grunts and come right to you.

Question: Out of the 10 deer you've jumped and spooked, how many of them will come back to you?
Answer: It depends on the time of year. During the rut, the rate of deer coming back can reach as high as 30 percent. Any other time of the year, the rate may be one out of 10.

To learn more about Outland Sport's calls and hunting accessories, call 1-800-922-9034 or visit the company's website at www.outland-sports.com.

Tomorrow: Grunting for Deer Out of Range