The doe was standing just outside of bow range and also within the protection of a web of branches that would easily deflect an arrow. She had to come out in the open, but showed no signs of doing so. Something had to be done so I lifted my grunt tube and uttered a brief burp. She responded immediately in similar fashion and a couple more calls from me coaxed her into the open and in range.

We humans tend to over-emphasize vocalizations because they are our primary means of communication. Deer use scent and body language far more, but do vocalize. It can be a subtle yet complex vocabulary but you need not master it to succeed. Like talking to visitors from over the border, knowing a few words and phrases can sometimes get the message across and turn the tide in your favor.

Let’s start with the basic greeting grunt, alluded to in the opening passage. It’s sort of the whitetail version of “hey,” or “what’s up?” It may simply be one deer making another aware of its presence. I hear it most often from does, when fawns are nearby but out of their sight; so it might also be a reminder: “Mommy’s over here; don’t worry.” Or it could be a gentle scolding: “Don’t go wandering off.” Regardless, it can coax deer to come closer.

When using this or other vocalizations, hunters should keep in mind the effect is typically not as sudden or dramatic as you might like. I use the analogy of entering a crowded room and seeing someone familiar on the other side. You both recognize one another, but it may take some time to work your way through the crowd before you actually meet.

Another popular call hunters use is the bleat, most often mimicked with a can call. It’s alternately used to represent either a hot doe or a lost fawn. I’ve had modest success calling does in the early season but never lured a buck in with it, though I know other hunters who have claimed to. In most cases it can’t hurt, so why not give it a try? You just never know how a deer might react.

While not a vocalization, rattling is a form of calling. Hunters who watch a lot of outdoor television and video tend to overvalue its effectiveness, then get frustrated when it doesn’t work for them. Remember, those video hunters have encapsulated hours, maybe even days of hunting into a few moments. More often than not, rattling won’t work. When it does, it can be exciting.

Researchers in Texas did a study on how deer react to rattling, with some enlightening results. One was that response was better in the morning. Another was that deer tended to approach the sound cautiously, sometimes circling downwind and just out of sight. Solo rattling might work but if you can pair up with someone and have the shooter positioned downwind, you might get a shot at a deer the rattler never saw.

Another piece of advice I can offer is not to give up too soon. I usually get one of two reactions. Sometimes a buck runs or trots right in. More often, they arrive five or even 10 minutes later, in a slow, cautious or casual approach. In the latter case it may not be until the third or fourth rattling bout. There are no rules as to how long to wait between rattling, but 15-20 minutes is a good guideline.

There is one more sound that all deer hunters should be familiar fluent with. It’s sometimes called the “blaat.” This one’s used not to attract a deer, but to stop it. Shots on moving deer seldom turn out well, especially for the bowhunter. But if you can stop the deer with a loud blaat, you’ll have a better shot opportunity. Unlike a shout or a whistle, it’s more natural to deer so they’re more likely to stop rather than bolt at the sound.

Those are the basics; sort of like “hello, goodbye, please and thank you.” In time and with experience you’ll learn more vocabulary and syntax, forming complete sentences and even paragraphs, painting a vocal picture. A tending grunt followed by a snort-wheeze then some rattling describes a buck chasing a doe then encountering, challenging and battling a rival suitor. It might draw in Ole Mossy Horns, or it might scare him a way. You just never know; but I guess that’s part of the challenge.

Bob Humphrey is a freelance writer and Registered Maine Guide who lives in Pownal. He can be reached at: bob@bobhumphrey.com