Calling Roe deer

Time and habitat:
Calling roe deer, especially bucks, is most effective during the rutting season (July–August) when bucks are territorial and searching for does.
Best times are early morning and late evening.
This hunt is carried out along forest edges, field borders, and meadows.

Equipment:

• Roe deer call (buck call) imitating doe contact sounds or mating calls.
• Class 2 rifle, such as .243 Win or 6.5×55 mm.
• Camouflage clothing, quiet movement, and good wind control.

Method:

• Take position in cover near a bush or tree line with a clear view.
• Start with soft contact calls (pip-pip) to raise curiosity.
• Then switch to mating calls to attract dominant bucks.
• Call in short sequences (10–20 seconds) with pauses in between.
• Be alert – bucks may approach quickly and silently.
• Only shoot when the deer is standing still and broadside.

Calls used:

• Doe call – gentle tone attracting bucks searching for does.
• Estrus call – stronger and more urgent tone that excites territorial bucks.
• Fawn distress call – may attract does and, in turn, nearby bucks.

Advantages:

• Provides a close and thrilling hunting experience.
• Can be done on small hunting areas, no dog required.
• Allows for selective harvest of individuals.

Challenges:

• Using the wrong tone or calling too often can frighten the buck away.
• Requires training and experience with the call.
• Bucks can approach from behind or silently, demanding constant attention.

General advice for calling hunts

• Always keep the wind in your face.
• Move slowly and quietly.
• Use natural or camouflage-coloured clothing.
• Only shoot at stationary, broadside animals with a safe backstop.
• Call sparingly – sometimes silence is the best call.

Think for the hunting exam:

• Calling = imitating animal sounds or using bait to attract game.
• Key factors: wind, patience, silence, correct sound.
• Fox – class 1 or 2 rifle, Roe deer – class 2 rifle.
• Most effective in winter (fox) and rutting season (roe deer).
• Always shoot broadside, stationary animals with safe backstop.
• Requires experience, discipline, and knowledge of animal behaviour.