There’s nothing more exhilarating than hunting a mature buck during the rut, especially when you’re using the age-old technique of rattling. In this heart-pounding episode of Buck Commander, the crew sets out on Missouri’s public land, determined to land a giant buck. With the rut in full swing, they know that rattling could be the key to calling in the monster they’ve been hunting for weeks.
The episode kicks off with the crew arriving on Missouri’s vast public land, a place known for its challenging hunting conditions but also for producing some of the biggest and most elusive whitetails in the Midwest. The air is crisp, and the woods are alive with the sounds of the rut—bucks chasing does, and other hunters hoping for a glimpse of a trophy animal. But the team isn’t just relying on luck—they’re armed with a strategy.
Rattling is a classic technique used by bowhunters and rifle hunters alike during the rut. The sound of antlers clashing together mimics the fight between two bucks for dominance, a noise that drives other bucks into a frenzy, wanting to challenge the intruder. The team knows that during the rut, bucks are often so focused on breeding and fighting that they can be drawn in by the sound of rattling antlers.
After setting up in a prime spot with plenty of cover, the crew begins rattling, carefully using the antlers to create the right sound. The anticipation builds as they wait for any sign of movement. The tension is high—this could be the moment they’ve been waiting for.
Then, it happens. Out of the brush, a massive buck steps into view. The crew’s heart rates spike as the buck comes closer, clearly intrigued by the rattling. It’s a giant Missouri public land buck, one the team has been targeting for weeks. The adrenaline rush is real, but the crew remains calm, knowing that the key to success is staying quiet and still.
As the buck moves into range, one of the hunters takes the shot. The giant buck is down, and the team erupts in celebration. It’s a moment of victory, but it’s also a reminder of the skill, patience, and strategy that go into every successful hunt.
Rattling a giant buck during the rut on Missouri public land is no easy feat, but with the right approach and the perfect conditions, the Buck Commander crew proves once again that their dedication to the hunt pays off in the most thrilling way.
