One of the most well-known deer calls is the doe bleat, especially the can call. Every hunter knows what it is; many have used one, but very few know how, or even if, it works.

I am not one to use deer calls. I might give a quick throat grunt if I see a buck and want to turn him my way or stop him for a shot. But, for the most part, I hunt in silence, with one exception — the doe bleat. While I may not use it often, one is always in the back just in case the mood strikes me.

But does the deer bleat really work? And if it does, why? After all, it may sound like a doe, but does are not known for being exceptionally vocal, especially during the rut. Most of a doe’s communication is conveyed through posture and body language, rather than grunting. In theory, and perhaps scientifically, a doe’s bleat should not work. If anything, it should scare deer away.

However, despite the evidence to the contrary, a doe’s bleat can pull in deer. Try one and see if it doesn’t. Best of all, you can pull in bucks and does. Not only will they come in, but they will come in like they are on a mission. I’ve seen multiple does come right to my stand with absolutely no hesitation, followed by confusion when they can not find their sister. Bucks can go in strong, too, but more often than not, they will circle and peek, trying to find the source of the sound. The exception would be during the peak rut when a doe bleat can cause a buck to rush in like they just got a call from their new girlfriend.

A lot of the information on doe bleats will tell you to combine them with grunts to mimic a buck tending a doe. Since I do not use a grunt call, I cannot comment on whether or not this is effective. However, I have seen bucks get spooked by grunts as often as they have shown interest. What I do have success with is combining the doe bleat with scent.

One problem I have found with scents, especially those that have been in place for more than a couple of days, is that over time, bucks tend to lose interest. I suspect that after a couple of visits without finding what they are looking for, they start to associate the scent with a dry hole. But add some fresh scent, and then use the doe bleat, and it is like a switch has been turned on. Suddenly, the site is hot again. I have had similar results when pairing a doe with the bleat. The sound calls them in, and the scent or decoy gives them a reason to stay for a bit, at least long enough for a shot.

So next time you need to break the rut, try sounding off.