LAST UPDATED: September 18th, 2024
The snort-wheeze is a sound that whitetail bucks typically make as a sign of aggression towards rival bucks. But what exactly is a deer saying when he produces the snort-wheeze sound and how can you use it to become a more successful deer hunter?
The snort-wheeze is often the only call that will get a big buck’s attention.
The snort-wheeze sound tends to be the sound a boss buck makes when he wants other deer to be aware of his presence. He’s letting them know he’s there, and he’s the man.
Here’s what the snort-wheeze sounds like, with a few grunts on the back end, from a live buck…
As you can hear, it’s a very nasally sound. Fortunately, with a little practice you can make this sound with your own mouth, keeping you from having to dig in your pack for a call.
When I’m calling to a mature buck that I can see, my first call is usually a grunt. If that doesn’t work, I may try a doe bleat. And, if that doesn’t work, the snort-wheeze is next. I’ve found that often times when a buck won’t respond to a standard grunt or bleat, the snort-wheeze always seems to get his attention.
What You Need to Know About the Snort-Wheeze Call
- It’s typically a boss buck sound. He may not be the biggest buck around, but he tends to be the bully of the bunch.
- It’s a call with plenty of volume, so you can often reach the ears of deer that will never hear the standard grunt or can call.
- A lot of hunters use the call as a last resort call, however, this can result in a deer slipping away while you’re trying to get his attention with a less aggressive call. Don’t be afraid to make the snort-wheeze your first call when attempting to get a deer’s attention from long distance.
- It’s a call that works on mature bucks like no other call will.
- Don’t expect to call up does or small bucks with the snort-wheeze. This is for mature bucks only.
- Like a lot of calls, the snort-wheeze could spook a deer if he’s in too close when you call. Be cautious of blind calling.
- Turn your head to the left or right when calling to cast the sound to your side. It can be just enough to throw that deer to one side or the other, instead of him coming straight to your tree.
