I have rattled bucks in all types of different situations. Timing is the key. I always try to rattle when I see deer up and moving or traveling. First good light in the morning or around 9 or so are good times for up till noon. Calm, cloudy, drizzling, heavy frost or combinations of all have been very good for me. Buck to doe ratios are as critical as timing. I will start by raking a bush with the antlers and then pounding one on the ground a couple of times. I have had deer run over me coming in so fast to just this. When I rattle I make as much noise as I can. Two bucks are trying to kill themselves. You are not wanting timid deer to come but mature and dominant bucks. So act like you are dominant. While I rattle I will rake a bush or fight the ground with antlers. I use a grunt call also. I have had bucks come from any direction so while down wind is critical if bucks are coming on a dead run you better have your head on a swivel. I have had bucks move only when I rattle. I have had some only sneak in. The fun ones are the ones that come charging in with hair standing on end and looking at you like you owe them money. I rattle for about 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes the first time then sit and watch. If bucks are charging in the will be there on you in less than 2 minutes. If not I rattle again and the will trot or walk in from 2-10 minutes. If they are coming from a distance it might take them over 10 minutes. Seems like when I have rattled in the most bucks it takes them over 10 minutes to respond and they come in waves. When I get a buck that hangs up due to another buck picking me off, I will do a snort wheeze and they will come in on a string under the right conditions. I have rattle bucks back to me multiple times after they have smelled or seen me move. I have had bucks take 27 minutes to get to me and step out. I will move depending on cover and terrain and wind about 300 yrd or more and try again. I have rattle the same buck in multiple times when I moved and rattled again. It is best to rattle with one or two shooters you know and trust. Put them downwind at 45's to you about 30-40 yds. Better yet put a shooter in a tripod 40 yrds are so downwind. They will see deer you never see. I rattle a buck up this week that came back to me and he did not approach into the wind. He came on a string right at me across the wind.

This^^^ Natural are the best. Can be harder to carry/pack. Be careful and keep it minimal once you fool a buck if you don't shoot him then you won't fool him again if he sees or smells you. He can also become weary of the stand and area. They can locate where the sound is coming from before you see them. Much easier to have the distance of a rifle and another person rattling.Remember you are giving them your exact location. If you are in thick parts they may show up with no notice under you or right in front of you making a bow preferable. Timing movement is critical as well as being scent free. If you get caught with your hands on the antlers it is impossible to pickup your weapon and aim while he is staring right at you even in the best camo or blind. Some bucks will circle down wind before getting close. A decoy is almost necessary for success provides a visual distraction and location for him to associate the noise. Don't worry about rattling too early if the bucks don't come does and fawns will come or like Yorgensen said it doesn't work. Make sure and stay in the blind for at least 30 minutes after your last rattle because it can take that long for them to come investigate. Nothing worse then getting out of the blind and seeing the buck you just gave up on.