> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://big-buck-journal.ghost.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Your pre-rut calling plan
- URL: https://big-buck-journal.ghost.io/your-pre-rut-calling-plan/
- Published: 2026-10-15T13:02:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T13:02:28.000Z
- Author: Dale Richey

Bucks are cruising. Here’s when to grunt, when to rattle, and when to get aggressive. 

![Big Buck Journal](https://beehiiv-images-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/file/bda7b12e-9dc4-4b8e-b592-b9edddcfc7d1/BBJ_Logo2-removebg-preview.png?t=1780529087) 

The buck, the why, and the gear 

The Setup 

How to Call a Buck in the Pre-Rut 

Late October is when calling starts to pay off. Bucks are moving more, checking scrapes, and paying attention to other deer. The trick is knowing which sound to use and when to stop. 

This week’s gear notes come from Flextone, known for soft, flexible calls built to sound more like a real deer. Let’s get into it. 

Grunt 

Start With a Soft Grunt 

As bucks start cruising in late October, a few soft grunts can turn one your way. The key is calling to a buck you can see, not grunting blind every few minutes. 

Grunt once or twice and watch how he reacts. If he turns your way, put the call down and get ready. 

![Flextone Headhunter Extractor deer call](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/6e/8c6e93d4-78db-4e2a-9e0f-2b8581640c45/content/images/2026/10/image-10.png) 

Gear note 

Flextone Headhunter’s Extractor 

A slider moves between buck, doe, and fawn sounds, and it’s freeze-proof for cold mornings. 

$19.92 [Check price](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Flextone-HeadHunter-Extractor-Deer-Call/356771954?ref=big-buck-journal.ghost.io) 

Rattle 

Turn It Up as the Rut Builds 

Light sparring works early, but by late October you can add more noise. Rattle for 30 to 60 seconds, then wait a good while before the next sequence. 

Be ready the whole time. Bucks often come in fast, or circle downwind to check things out before they show. 

![Flextone Battle Bag Plus rattling bag](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/6e/8c6e93d4-78db-4e2a-9e0f-2b8581640c45/content/images/2026/10/image-11.png) 

Gear note 

Flextone Battle Bag Plus 

Polymer sticks inside a rubber bag, built for anything from light sparring to a full rut fight. 

$10.97 [Check price](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Flextone-Battle-Bag-Plus-Rattle-Bag-Calls-Lures/49789905?ref=big-buck-journal.ghost.io) 

Challenge 

When a Buck Hangs Up 

Sometimes a buck stops just out of range and won’t come any closer. That’s when an aggressive grunt or a snort-wheeze can push him, because it sounds like another buck calling him out. 

Use it sparingly. It can scare off younger bucks, so save it for a mature buck that’s already hung up. 

![Flextone Buck Rage Plus deer call combo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8c/6e/8c6e93d4-78db-4e2a-9e0f-2b8581640c45/content/images/2026/10/image-12.png) 

Gear note 

Flextone Buck Rage Plus 

Comes with a Killer Wheeze call, and a tone bulb on the grunt call adds back pressure for growls and aggressive grunts. 

$21.99 [Check price](https://www.cabelas.com/p/flextone-buck-rage-plus-deer-call-combo?ref=big-buck-journal.ghost.io) 

Dale’s Take 

“Call to the buck you can see, not the one you hope is out there. Watch how he reacts, and let that tell you what to do next.” 

Have you ever called in a buck during the pre-rut? Hit reply and tell me what worked. 

Watch him first. Then call. 

![Dale Richey headshot](https://beehiiv-images-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/file/6d6f9854-bed6-4fa7-a9a2-aa4ab9e4b9ea/BBJ-AuthorHeadshot__2_.png?t=1780581127) 

Dale Richey 

Big Buck Journal 

Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, Big Buck Journal may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices were accurate at time of writing and may change.