David E. Petzal 11. This season I heard what sounded like a deer blowing or snorting, not grunting. The deer heard you but was not sure what you were. Do not follow a deer that has already heard you, for it will be extra alert to any movement from your location. A buck might be drawn to the continued sounds of two bucks fighting.
Deer sometimes signal each other by making pawing sounds.
In either case, be aware of the wind direction. A deer responding to sounds will usually try to circle downwind before approaching in order to scent-check the sound maker. I'm 18 years old, and I've been hunting for six years. In that time I've never seen a buck during the season. I scout thoroughly.