When it comes to bringing in mature whitetails, few tools are as tried and true as the grunt call. But just blowing into it and hoping for the best won’t cut it. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned hunter looking to step up your game, knowing how and when to use a grunt call can make all the difference in your hunt.
Here’s a breakdown of grunt call tips from basic to advanced so you can start calling smarter this season.
What Is a Grunt Call, and Why Use It?
A grunt call mimics the vocal sounds bucks make to communicate, mainly short, guttural grunts used during the rut to assert dominance or locate does. Bucks will grunt to let other bucks know who's boss, or to let a nearby doe know they’re interested.
Used right, a quality grunt call will get a buck’s attention, challenge his ego, or convince him there’s competition in the area. And that’s when he makes a mistake.
Beginner Tips: Grunt Calling Basics
1. Start Soft
Most beginners blow too loud. Start with low-volume grunts and increase if you don’t get a response. Deer have incredible hearing. You don’t need to blast the woods.
2. Less Is More
Don’t over-call. One to three short grunts every 20 to 30 minutes is plenty. Overdoing it can make your setup feel unnatural.
3. Pay Attention to Timing
The best time to grunt is during the pre-rut and rut. Early in the season, bucks may ignore you. After the rut, they’re usually worn down and less aggressive.
During early season, it doesn't hurt to grunt a time or two at a passing deer. Remember when you grunt at a deer, you want to just give him enough to peak that curiosity to come see what’s going on.
4. Use Cover and Wind
Grunting with bad wind or no cover is a good way to educate deer. Make sure you’re set up with your scent under control and a good shooting lane downwind.
Intermediate Tips: Add Realism
5. Add Movement
Rake some leaves with your boot or snap a twig right before or after calling. It makes your setup feel more natural to listening bucks.
6. Throw Your Sound
Use your hand to direct the grunt tube slightly left or right. Deer will triangulate where the sound is coming from. You don’t want them pinpointing you too quickly if you’re not ready.
7. Use the Right Cadence
Try a pattern like: grunt… pause… grunt-grunt… long pause. Avoid machine-gun-style calling. You’re trying to sound like a real buck, not a dying lawnmower.
Advanced Tips: Situational Grunting
8. Tending Grunts
If you spot a buck locked on a doe and not responding to basic calls, use tending grunts—short, rapid grunts to mimic a buck trailing a hot doe. It might make a dominant buck charge in to break it up.
9. Grunt With a Decoy
Pairing grunts with a realistic buck decoy during the rut can be deadly. It makes your calling feel legit and gives that curious buck a visual to commit to.
10. Blind Grunting from a Stand
If you haven’t seen action in a while, a few blind grunts (when you don’t see a deer) can sometimes pull a buck out of cover. Just make sure your scent is clean and your stand is quiet before you try it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling too often: Keep it natural and purposeful.
- Calling too loud: Especially in calm weather, louder isn't better.
- Calling with no backup plan: Always have your weapon ready when you call. Sometimes they come in fast and silent.
Final Thoughts
Grunt calls are simple tools, but using them effectively takes thought and timing. When used right, they can turn a slow sit into a buck-on-the-ground kind of day.
Need help picking the right call or want to hear how it sounds? What this video:
If you're looking for a grunt call that gets the job done, check out our hand-tuned Houndstooth deer calls. Built to mimic the real thing with the right tone and pitch, no gimmicks, just results.
Shop our selection of handmade in the USA deer grunt calls:
