Had a very successful day using the muntjac calling technique Gerald Collini showed me. call I was at the wood in Buckinghamshire where I manage the deer numbers. It was my first visit since there had been lots of timber cutting and the woodmen had created several new rides with their huge timber trucks. These rides had foot deep mud with a hard crust and so criss-crossed the wood the deer had to cross them - so lots of slots to show activity. I settled down in area with lots of slots heading into thick holly cover. I was partly concealed by a tree trunk and holly bush looking towards the area of heavy holly cover, with 180degree view. I called with the buttolo and immediately there was barking from the holly cover. I called again and the barking came closer. I caught a glimpse of a buck, but he stayed semi-hidden. I called again (three squeaks) and there was a higher pitched bark to the right of the buck. A large doe came out of the holly and stood looking around giving me a good shot at the base of the neck, which took her down. She was quite heavy and probably half -way through pregnancy carrying two young. On butchering, found she was very well-padded with quite a lot of of fat. Just about to start the process of making smoked biltong with some of the best meat.
Calling muntjac
- Thread starter loosehead
- Start date
Gave the technique a go had a munty charge around a tree in response.
Dont know who was more surprised, me, the dog or the deer.
Will take the gun next time.
I have had it work both morning and evening, and even during the middle of the day. Just last Friday at last light had a buck come to about 60 or so yards away.
The problem is that sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't - I just haven't been able to figure out why yet. It doesn't seem related to time of year/day, weather, habitat, etc.
Doubtless someone could write up a nice thesis about this.
willie_gunn
Uncle Norm
Well-Known Member
I share willie-gunn's views and experience. I am still trying to work it out. All my theories have been blown out, so still none the wiser.I have had it work both morning and evening, and even during the middle of the day. Just last Friday at last light had a buck come to about 60 or so yards away.
The problem is that sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't - I just haven't been able to figure out why yet. It doesn't seem related to time of year/day, weather, habitat, etc.
Doubtless someone could write up a nice thesis about this.
willie_gunn
pete evans
Well-Known Member
unless you have called a buck.I have called a fair few and can see no specific pattern although I have noticed that it tends to be that if I've called one I am more likely to call another suggesting that perhaps its not down to an indiviual animals growth sex or reproductive status.
I think the answer to that theory depends upon what it is that we think we are mimicking when calling.
Is it a call of a muntjac doe? This could explain why bucks respond.
Is it the call of the fawn? This could explain why does respond.
Or is it just a noise, or a certain pitch of sound, that encourages a reaction from any muntjac? This could explain why both bucks and does respond.
Like Pete, I have seen all of the above. I just can't determine any repeatable pattern.
Without running a scientific experiment, or doing a vulcan mind-meld with a muntjac, I don't think that we will ever really know.
willie_gunn
Pine Marten
Well-Known Member
Yes, that was impressive work, I'd never seen that done before, thanks! I have since taken delivery of a Buttolo call bought on eBay for a full pound cheaper than it is elsewhere. I've only tried it on Young Pine Marten so far. Results inconclusive.
I'd love to say it was skill, rather than luck, that elicited the response from the buck.....but I'd be lying
Have you thought that might be because Young Pine Marten is a buck? Obviously you need to get a doe as well to make it a fully scientific experiment
willie_gunn
Uncle Norm
Well-Known Member
I too think the main issue is that we do not yet know exactly what we are doing with the call and what we are trying to imitate.
The only animals that I have experienced 'charging in' are females so I draw the inference that is because they have a fawn nearby.
For several years now I have shot four bucks to every one doe and that is also a consistent ration among those animals that came to a call.
I also agree with pete evans that if you can call one they you should keep trying because others are likely to respond in nearby locations.
I also find that if I try two or three locations without response then I can try until I am blue in the face but it is a 'no response' day. Fascinating.
The only animals that I have experienced 'charging in' are females so I draw the inference that is because they have a fawn nearby.
For several years now I have shot four bucks to every one doe and that is also a consistent ration among those animals that came to a call.
I also agree with pete evans that if you can call one they you should keep trying because others are likely to respond in nearby locations.
I also find that if I try two or three locations without response then I can try until I am blue in the face but it is a 'no response' day. Fascinating.
Pine Marten
Well-Known Member
Have you thought that might be because Young Pine Marten is a buck? Obviously you need to get a doe as well to make it a fully scientific experiment
willie_gunn
Well he certainly seems prepared to accompany me into the field to try some things out...
View attachment 40062
norma 308
Well-Known Member
On from my theory and it's only that ,doe drops fawn - comes in season - doe may think call is fawn .
Buck responds to call as he recognises the call of fawn and a doe will be nearby and is possible it's in season .and often a buck is in tow of a new mother ?? Don't know something to ponder though eh
norma
Buck responds to call as he recognises the call of fawn and a doe will be nearby and is possible it's in season .and often a buck is in tow of a new mother ?? Don't know something to ponder though eh
norma
AN DU RU FOX
Well-Known Member
there must be something in it ,fox /rabbit/hares do the same sometimes it works brilliantly sometimes not at all,doug,
jimbo1984
Well-Known Member
Lol what a great pic !
though I would've thought you would have got him a drilling pm??
Pine Marten
Well-Known Member
Lol what a great pic !
I don't want to spoil him. Once he's learned to be competent and safe with the rifle-shaped barbecue lighter, we can look at other options. At the time this photo was taken, the lighter was of course empty and safe. I'm not a totally irresponsable parent.
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