Bleat Calls, what has worked for you?

**cflhunter** · 06-19-2008, 04:19 PM

In the September 2008 issue of Deer & Deer Hunting magazine an article focusing on the effectiveness of the bleat call caught my attention. I would recommend reading it if you haven't done so already. My question is this, What type of bleat calls are you using or have you used in the past? I still use a Primos can call for the simple fact that is has lasted the longest. Last year I experimented with a M.A.D. Heat Bleat. For some reason I've had bad luck with the those things...I've broken three! Anyway, another topic.

I don't really like the can calls. To me they tend to be noisy in my pack. Occasionally something blocks the call's vent hole or it rattles against another object in my backpack. Are there any calls similar to the M.A.D. on the market that you would recommend using?

Thanks!

**wtnhunt** · 06-19-2008, 04:26 PM

To be honest, have had mixed results with bleat calls. Seems does have curious responses to bleats early on in the season and I have not ever had any mature bucks come in on the can call or other bleat calls.

Saw a very interesting show once on outdoor channel where a guy was explaining the different types of bleats, and he said there are also blats. Wish I had recorded the show.

**LifeNRA** · 06-19-2008, 09:06 PM

A few years ago, I had a doe come in from a Knight & Hale Translator. Had it set to fawn bleat. The first time she heard it, brought her in about 50 yards. When I blew the distress call the second time, she threw her nose to the ground, frantically looking, smelling, and grunting for that fawn in distress. I was shocked and amazed. I really thought I was on to something. But the last three years the deer just look up and at my direction. Shot a six pointer two years ago with the bow, he came in with the can call.

I think the deer just have to be in that one particular mood for them to respond. You just have to hit it at that right time. Do they work, yes. Do they work all the time, no.

**cflhunter** · 06-19-2008, 11:11 PM

wtnhunt, I am familiar with the show that you're referring to. It was on Woods & Water. I had it recorded for quite some time and watched it a few times as well. Very interesting!

**Michiganbowhunter_SQ2** · 06-20-2008, 12:08 AM

Here is the show wtnhunt is talking about. http://youtube.com/watch?v=eAYlzzoOQ8c

I have heard the primos bleat and bawl works pretty good. I will be picking one up for this coming season. Go to their sight and find it under products and watch the video clip they have...pretty funny how close the deer gets.

**buckee** · 06-20-2008, 12:10 AM

Here are the 2 (actually 4) calls I have used for the past 15 years or so. They haven't failed me yet, and both calls are made by WoodsWise.

First there is the Friction Grunt. This is a sound does and bucks make. It's a simple communication call. I strap it to my leg while in the stand, for easy access.

Second, is my Buc-N-Doe call. You suck instead of blowing into this call, for both buck grunts, doe bleats, and fawn bleats. I've been using the same call, without malfunctions for 15 years. (but I do have a spare...LOL)

**Maryland_Bowhunter** · 06-20-2008, 04:50 AM

I use the lil can from Primos in early bow season to call in does . Works well each season . As the rut starts to get closer i will start to use the regular can since it is louder to use with my grunt call and what not . Calls will not work everytime but when they do be ready

**Jeramie** · 06-20-2008, 07:50 AM

Hit the rut....

Ive brought back bounding does with The Can. Literally. I have hidden behind trees as big around as my forearm and they still turned to come back to me.

Like any other call they can be over used in an area but if they arent use to it they work. I honestly cant tell you how many deer ive turned with one.

I dont typically blind call with one but they have been very effect for turning deer back around.

**RangerClay** · 06-20-2008, 09:40 AM

The bleat usually brings the does running to me.

Try this sometime if you have The Can. Tip you head waaaaay back so that you are looking straight up at the sky. Now blow SOFTLY into the little hole in the bottom of The Can. You can do some different things like make your calls longer, louder, or add inflection.

**wtnhunt** · 06-20-2008, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Michiganbowhunter_SQ2

Here is the show wtnhunt is talking about. http://youtube.com/watch?v=eAYlzzoOQ8c

Not really sure that is the same video.

Originally Posted by RangerClay

Try this sometime if you have The Can. Tip you head waaaaay back so that you are looking straight up at the sky. Now blow SOFTLY into the little hole in the bottom of The Can. You can do some different things like make your calls longer, louder, or add inflection.

Tried that before with a yote,

and it came running from downwind about 150 yards out up the hill from me while I had my bow in hand and got to about 45 yards from me.

Pretty cool, but too bad he caught my wind before he got a few yards closer.

Have tried calling with the can like that while watching does and seem to have mixed responses. Sure raises their curiosity though.

**JimPic** · 06-20-2008, 10:26 AM

I don't usually use calls but this past season,I brought 4 buck in using the can--completely turned them around from the way they were headed and wound up shooting an 8pt at 5yds from an 8' ladder stand

**sskybnd** · 06-28-2008, 08:56 PM

i have 2, the big can, that i use in the rut, have killed 2 bucks using it, and i have a call made by primos with a band inside that you slide up and down, i use it as a fawn bleat yearly in the season, but so far the only thing i have come to it was a yote,

**Tominator** · 06-28-2008, 09:55 PM

I have a Quaker Boy that I've had for years. Can't say that it has ever brought in a big buck, but it sure has brought in more than a few curious does. One time I brought in a doe 2 or 3 times but passed on the shot because I didn't feel like butchering a deer 2 nights in a row. I had shot a smaller doe the previous night.

**toddyboman** · 06-28-2008, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by cflhunter

In the September 2008 issue of Deer & Deer Hunting magazine

SEPTEMBER 2008.....Interesting they already have that issue out

Can't say I have had much luck using a bleat call.....but I don't use one to often either.

Heritage Hunters · 06-29-2008, 06:49 AM

I've had more luck with the bleat on does and young bucks. I like the can best but I do agree that there is a possibility for it to "go off" in your pack/pocket or whatever.

MAD makes a call that has a blow in grunt on one side and a bleat on the other. Not sure of the name but you may want to look into that. The tube is blue and has a hole in the middle to adjust the volume level on the call.