Pre-Rut starting to heat up

The Pre-Rut is starting to heat up here in our area.  I have noticed a few small bucks scent-checking does and I'm starting to see bucks by themselves rather than being in their social groups which is common in early fall.  It's time to start some light calling sequences such as buck grunts, doe bleats, and light sparring sessions.  It's also time to start putting some scent out to see if we can get a good buck within bow range.  A mock scrape and/or doe in estrous scent placed about 30 yards upwind or with an adjacent wind works well this time of year.  I wouldn't do a lot of blind calling right now, but a few grunts and a couple of sparring sequences should get the attention of a cruising buck that is within earshot.  If you see a good buck, go ahead and throw a few grunts or light rattling his way to see how he responds.  You might also try a few doe bleats and see if that gets him interested.  Make sure you don't call when the buck is looking at you because they can pinpoint where a sound comes from with uncanny accuracy.  Be prepared to shoot after you call because if a buck decides to come in, he might be there in seconds and you have to be ready for a shot.  Don't get caught unprepared...trust me, you don't want to learn the hard way.  You might only get one chance at a mature buck and then never see him again.  You have to make every opportunity count.  In about another week or so, if the temperatures stay cool, it will be time to let the loud, aggressive calling loose.  Good luck out there!