Calling during the peak rut consists of reproducing buck and doe vocalizations and antlers rattling. One of my favorite tactics to employ when I'm on stand and I can't see any deer is to use a can-style, doe-in-estrus call. I utter two bleats, and then follow that with a series of seven or eight fast buck grunts from my grunt tube. I'll repeat this sequence two or three times in a row, then sit quietly for 20 minutes. If no deer show up, I'll start over.

When a buck is chasing a doe in heat near your stand, you'll hear leaves rustling, brush and twigs cracking and lots of passionate grunting.

If you're hunting an area where you feel there are likely some mature bucks nearby, you might even want to throw in a snort-wheeze -- which sounds just like its name implies. This tends to be a dominant buck vocalization, so if your area is inhabited primarily by 2- and 3-year-old bucks, you're probably just going to run them off. But if there are some whopper 4-year-olds around, by all means give a snort-wheeze a try.

In areas where the buck-to-doe ratio is fairly even, rattling with antlers or a rattle bag is very effective because battles are common between bucks for the right to breed.

Don't be afraid to make a racket when you're rattling during the peak rut. Bucks are aggressive now. If you're hunting someplace where does far outnumber the bucks, leave the rattling antlers at home. Bucks don't fight over does as much in these areas because they don't need to -- and the tactic is often not so productive.

STAND STRATEGIES
As I said in the beginning of this article, when the rut's on, bucks are on their feet all day trolling for does or chasing them. From sunrise to sunset is the most productive time to sit. And if you've never done that, let me assure you that personal comfort is the key to sticking it out.

Tree-stand hunters would do well to hunt from the biggest stand they can get their hands on. When I sit on stand all day, I hunt from ones with platforms measuring 24 inches wide by 30 inches long, with thick cushions on the seats.

Hunters who choose to sit in ground blinds should be sure to bring a comfortable chair. A simple stool won't cut it for an all-day stint. Instead, bring along a folding chair that has armrests and a back.

Also pack lots of food and water. Nothing will encourage you to leave the woods faster than a growling stomach or parched throat. And since you'll be eating and drinking while you're on stand or in your blind, don't forget a plastic quart bottle to urinate in.

If you're expecting the temperature to range up and down during the course of the day, be sure you have enough clothes for the very coldest times. As the air warms up, you can always remove layers to keep from overheating.

When you sit all day, count on enduring some slow periods. Some hunters like to take along some reading materials or pocket some electronic games to pass the time. Me, I like to just sit and think. This is a time of relaxation, with no computers, no phones ringing and no bosses nagging me. It's just nature and me. I enjoy that.

Wikipedia describes the rut as "the time when white-tailed deer, especially bucks, are more active and less cautious than usual. This makes them easier to hunt . . . ."

With that kind of billing, doesn't it seem only natural to maximize your hunting efforts during this period? Don't let the rut pass you by this year. Hunt often and hunt all day.

And don't forget your field-dressing gear -- you're going to need it!