I thought you might have to get Che to help you
Doesn't look like my help is needed here, Frank.
We use them as soon as possible after birth on our calves. The important part is to count two testicles ("one,.........two")....just one doesn't do the job! If I can catch them the first couple days when they're in their 'newborn hiding mode' I can do it myself....but otherwise (for me) it's a two 'man' job.
My role usually is to drive the truck alongside the mom/calf with my husband in the back ready to jump out. Then to grab the stick and help him get himself and the calf into the back of the truck before 'mom' gets him. Then I usually hold/sit on the calf while he (soon to be it) gets banded, etc.
Once we had a cow ('Cut Horn', she had two big blunted horns) get halfway into the truck during this process. Smack their nose, they back up....usually.
Some years are too busy and we can't get to them that young and we just run them through the squeeze chute while the mom's are eating grain.....do 'em in groups. It's surprising how hard a little thing like that can kick!
I once used one of the bands on a calf who's tail was either 'skinned' by a cow stepping on it or an unlucky coyote. Put it up onto the healthy tissue and the rest fell off.
I was thinking yesterday I need to get all the tags and paraphanalia ready....these moms are getting fat and ready!! Could be starting any day now.
When does calving start for you, Frank?