Imagine you’re nestled in your tree stand, the forest around you just stirring to life as dawn breaks.
You’ve been there since the wee hours of the morning, armed with your bow and a thermos of steaming coffee, but the deer are proving elusive.
You’ve done your homework, scouting the area, checking the wind direction, and setting up in the perfect location.
But what if you could make your task a whole lot easier?
What if you could lure the deer to you, instead of waiting for them to wander within range? The key could lie in the strategic use of deer scent attractants.
However, with a multitude of options available, from commercial to homemade, choosing the right one can be a game-changer.
Let’s venture into the world of deer scent attractants and discover which ones might give you that edge in the field.
Top Rated Commercial Deer Scents
Now, let’s turn your attention to some of the top-rated commercial deer scents on the market.
Products like ConQuest EverCalm Deer Herd Stick, Pure Whitetail 100% Pure Mock Scrape Urine, and Wildlife Research 307-4 Trail’s End Whitetail Deer Attractor have carved a niche for themselves among hunting enthusiasts.
We’ll also consider Evolved Habitats Rack-Up Trophy Class, a granular mineral deer attractant, and assess its effectiveness in enticing deer.
ConQuest EverCalm Deer Herd Stick
If you’re an avid hunter seeking a reliable and mess-free way to attract deer, the ConQuest EverCalm Deer Herd Stick, a top-rated commercial deer scent, could be your game-changer.
This innovative product uses calming scents from deer bedding areas to both attract and soothe deer, making them less likely to spook.
It’s a wax-stick formula, so there’s no worry about spills or leaks. Just apply it directly to your boots or nearby trees and rocks.
Many hunters have noticed an increase in deer sightings since using the EverCalm stick, with some reporting deer bedding down within 20 yards downwind.
The scent seems to effectively mask human odors, leaving deer unbothered by your presence.
In sum, the ConQuest EverCalm stick is a valuable addition to your hunting toolkit.
Best For:
This product is best for hunters who want to attract deer closer to their hunting areas without spooking them while maintaining an overall scent-free strategy.
Pros:
- It effectively masks human odors, reducing the chances of spooking the deer.
- The product is easy to use and mess-free, due to its wax-stick formula.
- Many users report increased deer sightings and a calming effect on deer when using the product.
Cons:
- Not all deer may react positively to the scent, as deer behavior can vary greatly.
Best for Mock Scrapes: Pure Whitetail 100% Pure Mock Scrape Urine
For those looking to create irresistible mock scrapes, Pure Whitetail’s 100% Pure Mock Scrape Urine, a top-rated commercial deer scent, truly stands out in its effectiveness and natural appeal.
Harvested from Pure Whitetail’s deer herd, this scent is as pure and fresh as it gets.
It’s additive-free and contains no preservatives, ensuring a potent, natural alternative to synthetic urine.
It’s also state-certified for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) free.
Use it early season to mark mock scrapes and observe travel patterns, or mid to late season to draw in territorial bucks.
Users rave about its effectiveness, affordability, and the fact that bucks can’t resist checking out the mock scrapes.
There’s no doubt, Pure Whitetail’s Mock Scrape Urine is a game-changer.
Best For:
Hunters looking for a potent and natural deer scent to create effective mock scrapes and lure in territorial bucks.
Pros:
- 100% pure and fresh deer urine collected from Pure Whitetail’s own deer herd.
- Effective for both early and mid/late season use.
- Positive user reviews praising its effectiveness, affordability, and quality.
Cons:
- Not effective for all deer species as results may vary.
Wildlife Research 307-4 Trail’s End Whitetail Deer Attractor
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice, the Wildlife Research 307-4 Trail’s End Whitetail Deer Attractor stands out as a top-rated commercial deer scent.
Thanks to its Break-Through Scent Reflex Technology, which effectively attracts both does and rutting bucks throughout the hunting season.
This attractor, dubbed as the ‘hottest pre-rut buck lure,’ guarantees effectiveness all season long, giving you an edge in the field.
It’s not just the bucks that this lure attracts, but does as well.
The scent, reminiscent of oil and spices, can be hung from tree limbs in your shooting lane, drawing does in and causing older ones to defend the wicks from others.
However, like any product, it has mixed reviews, with some hunters swearing for its efficacy and others finding less success.
Regardless, its popularity and numerous positive reviews make it a strong contender in the world of deer attractants.
Best For:
Seasoned and novice hunters looking to attract both does and rutting bucks throughout the deer hunting season.
Pros:
- Features Break-Through Scent Reflex Technology for effective attraction of both does and bucks.
- Can be used throughout the entire hunting season.
- Comes with numerous positive reviews and recommendations from users.
Cons:
- Mixed reviews with some users not finding success with the product.
Best Granular Mineral: Evolved Habitats Rack-Up Trophy Class 6 lbs Powder Mineral Deer Attractant
Always on the hunt for a superior deer scent attractant?
You’ll find the Evolved Habitats Rack-Up Trophy Class 6 lbs Powder Mineral Deer Attractant to be your ideal choice.
It´s renowned for its year-round, long-lasting mineral lick food supplement that not only attracts deer quickly but also contributes vital nutrients to improve overall herd health.
This powder formula, which can be applied directly to the ground or used as a concentrate, offers maximum coverage.
It works instantly upon application, soaking deep into the ground for persistent allure.
Composed of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium, it provides essential nutrients that support bone, tooth, and antler formation, milk production, and enzyme systems, and regulate body fluids in deer.
Despite mixed reviews, the product’s long-lasting power and ability to attract bucks make it a popular choice among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.
Give it a try, and see the results for yourself.
Best For:
Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who are in search of a long-lasting, year-round deer attractant that not only lures deer quickly but also contributes to their overall health.
Pros:
- Offers instant results and long-lasting attraction, soaking deep into the ground for persistent allure
- Provides essential nutrients that support bone, tooth, and antler formation, milk production, enzyme systems, and body fluid regulation in deer
- Versatile application as it can be applied directly to the ground or used as a concentrate
Cons:
- Mixed reviews, with some customers reporting that deer didn’t approach the product
How to Choose the Best Deer Attractant
Given the exceptional olfactory prowess of deer, selecting an effective attractant involves careful consideration of the scent’s authenticity, appeal, and longevity.
To choose the best deer attractants, you need to understand the behavior and preferences of deer at different times of the year.
When it comes to authenticity, consider buck fever synthetics.
This deer scent effectively mimics natural deer odors, fooling even the astute sense of a deer. However, the appeal of a scent depends on its relevance to the deer’s current needs.
In the rut season, doe estrus is particularly effective, as it entices mature bucks searching for a mate.
Longevity is another key factor.
The scent should last long enough to keep the deer interested but not so long it becomes a permanent fixture that deer might eventually avoid.
Moreover, not all attractants work the same way for everyone. Try different scents until you find what works best for you.
Mock Scrapes for Mature Bucks
To successfully lure mature bucks into your hunting area, understanding the art of making and positioning mock scrapes can be a game-changer.
These artificial scrapes, when doused with the right deer scent attractants, can be highly effective at attracting mature bucks.
You start by choosing a location close to bedding areas or where you’ve noticed large natural scrapes.
Then, using a sturdy stick, mimic the scraping action of a buck, clearing away leaves and debris to expose bare dirt.
Now, time for the deer scent attractants.
Bucks typically urinate down their hocks and over their tarsal glands into the scrape.
Replicate this by using a scent that simulates buck urine, giving your mock scrape authenticity.
Heat-activated scent drippers can also be a valuable tool, conditioning bucks to visit during legal shooting light.
How to Establish a Mineral Site
In the realm of deer attraction strategies, beyond the creation of mock scrapes, another highly effective tactic you might want to consider is establishing a mineral site.
Mineral sites serve a dual purpose: they attract deer and provide them with essential nutrients, boosting their overall health and development.
To establish a mineral site, start by selecting a location that aligns with deer travel patterns and minimizes exposure to predators.
It’s best to opt for staging areas or converging trails, as deer frequently traverse these areas.
Next, you’ll need to decide on the type of mineral to use. Granular minerals, like Record Rack Deer Mineral, are a popular choice due to their easy dispersion.
Pour the granular mineral into a hole you’ve dug at the site and cover it up.
Alternatively, you can use a trophy rock, which is a mineral supplement in a solid form that deer will lick.
Personal Experiences With Deer Scents
Drawing on three decades of bowhunting, I can attest to the significant role deer scents play in enhancing the hunting experience.
Using different scents, notably commercial ones like Evercalm and Trails End #307, I’ve seen firsthand their ability to attract deer, particularly mature bucks.
However, it’s not just about slapping on a scent and expecting the deer to come running.
You need to understand deer behavior and use the scents judiciously.
I recall a hunt where a carefully placed scent trail led a magnificent buck straight into my ideal shooting zone.
That experience was a testament to the power of deer scents.
But, your personal experiences with deer scents might differ, and that’s okay.
It’s all about finding what works for you and your hunting area. So, experiment, observe, and refine your strategies.
There’s no one-size-fits-all in hunting, and the thrill lies in the chase.
Happy hunting!
Sources:
https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-deer-attractants/
https://thewhitetailteacher.com/best-whitetail-deer-attractants/
https://www.northamericanwhitetail.com/editorial/fatal-attractants-mature-bucks/368250
https://www.archerytalk.com/threads/best-deer-attractant.5729079/
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/deer-scents-attractants.185346/
