Table of Contents
There’s far more to hunting a deer than having a great gun, scope, or bow. Of course, the better your equipment, the better your chances are of downing that beauty you’ve been dreaming of. However, other things are important when it comes to hunting deer.
Deer attractants come in various types and are made up of many different ingredients. There are liquids, sprays, food, blocks, powders, and more. It can be a dilemma trying to decide which will work best for your specific needs.
With a good gun or bow and a great attractant, you run a good chance of getting the deer you want. We offer a list of five choices that run the gamut of options available, along with factors that make them the best available. We hope you find just what you want and get out there to get your prize buck next hunting season.
1. TINK’S #69 Doe-in-Rut Buck Lure
Tink’s #69 is a buck lure that is made from 100% natural doe estrous urine, which means it is urine taken while a doe is in heat. The product can be used with drag rags, wicks, scent bombs or even cotton balls. It can be messy to use, as it is liquid, but is capable of attracting bucks in rut from a reasonable distance away. You want to use this product from the moment of rut until you notice that urge drop away. Using it a few days beyond that can still pull in a buck or two, depending on chance and size of the deer population near you.
Pros:
- Most likely urine attractor for bucks in rut
- Can act as attractant, as well as cover scent
Cons:
- Not as efficient in area with heavy hunting
- Easy to use Squirt Top
- Quality controlled formula
- Formulated from 100% natural doe estrous urine
- Use with drag rags, boot pads, Tink’s Scent Bombs, or in scrapes
2. Antler King Honey Hole Mix
Honey Hole offers three varieties or rapeseed, as well as two varieties of turnips, all of which are known to be favored by deer. With this product, you simply plant the contents, tilling is not required. Removing the top layer of soil is enough to plant, and the product is hardy enough to grow without any more help. The planting can occur in spring or summer and will keep deer coming back the whole season long. Once the weather gets cold, the plants convert into sweet sugars which will draw in more deer than before.
Pros:
- Five varieties of brassicas known to attract deer
- Very little care required and will keep deep coming back
Cons:
- Requires initial planting and wait time which may not appeal to all
- Fast growing and easy to establish
- For best results plant in late summer or early fall.
- Comprised of 5 varieties of Rape and Turnips, 3 lb. bag plants 1/2 acre.
- Treated with Antler King's Ultra Coat Orange for higher germination rates and increased forage yield
- Recommended fertilizer is 19-19-19 or 13-13-13 at 300lbs. per acre. pH should be between 5.5-6.5.
3. Antler King Lick Magic
Antler King Lick Magic is an apple flavored mineral that will make deer healthier, and aid them in developing large racks. It is designed to taste great but to limit the amount the deer will eat, in order to keep them healthy. It is suggested you use this product year round and doing so is easy. You simply dump the mineral on the ground or a log and deer will come to eat. They can work on making big racks and will come back when hunting season is on to feed up, making it easy for you to get a prize buck.
Pros:
- High trace mineral content brings in more deer
- Unyielding scent can be sniffed from long distance
Cons:
- May take time for deer to find and use product
- ANTLER KING | Bigger Bucks - Healthier Deer. The Leader in Wildlife Nutrition Products, Food Plots, Minerals and Attractants
- LICK MAGIC 23 LB APPLE FLAVORED MINERAL POWDER BUCKET | Lick Magic boasts several minerals and vitamins which are essential for maximum antler growth along with nutritious milk production for lactating does for their new fawns. Superior apple flavoring increases long-range attraction power to pull deer from surrounding properties onto yours
- BEST LOCATIONS | Place near secluded, well-traveled or bedding locations. Choose spots where deer will be comfortable, meaning not readily visible by you, neighbors or passers-by
- YEAR-ROUND USE | After choosing a location for your mineral lick, dump LICK MAGIC over a two-foot wide circle. The deer and Mother Nature will do the rest. Every few weeks, freshen the lick by emptying another pail of LICK MAGIC over the lick area. For best results, use year-round
- DEER ATTRACTANT | Lick Magic will attract deer. Check your local game laws for baiting regulations before using
4. Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage
Acorn Rage is made to help with deer health while also working on antler growth. This product comes fully mixed, so there is no effort needed on your part. It is suggested you use Acorn Rage in a feeder or on the ground, but you can also place it nearly anywhere else. The product is a nutritional supplement that is ideal for attracting and keeping whitetail deer where you want them.
Pros:
- Concentrated formula that is ready to use without mixing
- Easy to use and likely to increase chance of seeing big game
Cons:
- Make take time for deer to find and use product
- EFFECTIVE ATTRACTANT - One of the popular deer attractants, the Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage is a powerful and nutritious deer food; Once deer find it, they'll devour it, along with fat and protein they need to support antler growth and overall health
- ACORN TASTE - Deer have been known to abandon corn, wheat, and even lush food plots in search of acorns; Long-lasting and palatable, the Acorn Rage hunting attractant feeds their obsession with 100% real crushed acorns blended with roasted soybean
- PROTEIN & FAT CONTENT - The Wildgame Innovations deer feed contains 11% fat and 17% protein; The Acorn Rage doesn't just train game to find your spot, it becomes a part of their health, providing deer with vital nutrients to bulk up to trophy status
- AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY - Airborne deer attractants disperse 600% more scent molecules than ordinary hunting attractants; When you spread Acorn Rage on the ground or top it on a game feeder, a natural acorn scent erupts that sends deer's senses into a frenzy
- LONG-LASTING FORMULA - If you can smell the potency of this deer food - just think how it smells to game; The Acorn Rage attractant covers long distances with incredible speed and effectively attracts game year-round, enhancing the deer hunting experience
5. Outdoor Hunting Lab Doe Estrus Scent Buck Attractant for Whitetail Deer
This doe estrus scent for deer hunting is a premium, natural product that contains pure whitetail doe urine from free-ranging deer. Outdoor Hunting Lab’s exclusive formula breaks down the tough odor molecules in fresh deer pee so they easily evaporate into the air — carrying their scent to great distances. Drag this scented liquid around your hunting area and let it dry on its own so the smell really sticks. Or, use a scent dripper to create a more powerful impact – with less product per acre!
This deer hunting attractant is so simple and effective, many hunters have told us Outdoor Hunting Lab is just like hitting a “doe estrus” jackpot!used during peak rut but also works other times. The final scent, Peak Estrous, is best used as rut season comes near.
Pros:
- Two types of urine for different situations, as needed
- Combo pack works through the entire hunting season
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
Buying Guide for Best Deer Attractant
Here are some of the most important things you should look for before trying out a deer attractant for yourself.
Price
Of course, price is always an important factor in buying anything, especially hunting baits and scents. While you want to offer enough money that whatever it is can run its course, you also want to be careful not to pay too much or buy something that won’t work.
Always research what you are about to buy first so that if there is any doubt as to how well it will work, you can eliminate those doubts before spending your hard-earned dollars on something sub-par!
More: 5 Best Deer Decoys for Deer Hunters
Does the Scent Appeal?
Make sure whatever product you’re thinking of using actually appeals to deer. There are so many different scents and smells out there that it can be difficult to narrow it down and find one that will legitimately work for you. However, spending the time and effort before buying your deer attractant should eliminate any possibility of throwing away money on something that won’t help.
Scent Strength
How strong is the deer scent? It may seem like a good idea to buy something with a really high strength because more is better, but this isn’t always true when it comes to smell. In fact, too much scent could drive the deer from your area completely rather than drawing them in closer! If you want a product with maximum efficiency, make sure whatever you choose has a strength that makes sense for your needs.
Other Important Factors
There are numerous other factors you should look at when trying to decide what the absolute best deer attractant will be. Some of these include:
- Country of Origin
- The ingredients
- What type of deer it attracts Instructions for use
- Whether or not there is an expiration date
- How well it works
For example, if it’s made in another country that isn’t known for high-quality products, this could make the difference between getting the deer you want and wasting your time and money on something subpar. And if you can find one with all-natural ingredients (like Doe Urine Plus), then that would be even better!
More: Best 2 Man Tree Stand
What Types of Deer Attractant are There?
Liquid
This one is great for areas where water sources are nearby because it can be applied directly onto the ground. If you have an area where this will work well, then the liquid is definitely your best option! It includes all-natural ingredients and lasts for quite some time. Furthermore, liquid works especially well when paired with other types of deer scents.
Spray
This type is exactly what it sounds like – a spray bottle with a deer scent in the solution. Sprays last longer than liquids because they don’t have to be reapplied as often, so if you’re going for extended hunts or will only have one shot at a particular area, this may work better for you.
If you can find an all-natural version of this scent, then that would be even better! How long it lasts depends on how big your bottle is and how much you use each time, but focusing on other areas will definitely help extend the lifespan of your spray scent.
Gel
Like liquid deer attractants, the gel is applied directly onto the ground. However, it is more likely to pick up dirt or debris because of how smooth it is, so be careful when applying this scent.
It usually lasts longer than sprays do but not as long as liquids do, making gel a great middle-of-the-road option for hunters who want every opportunity to get their deer without needing to worry about reapplying.
Bait
The most obvious way to use deer attractant is with actual bait! Set out some food for the deer in your area and let them find you naturally instead of having to work for it.
This type can vary based on what you plant in your area (and also on what you are using the attractant), but generally speaking, plants like clover, alfalfa, and soybeans are good for attracting deer. Additionally, some kinds of food work better than others. For example, acorns are especially great because they’re high in fat, which deer love!
No matter how you plan on using it or what type of attractant you choose to use, make sure that it works best for you. This will help ensure that your time hunting is successful over the season, no matter when your hunts take place! Good luck out there!
Unlocking the Secrets to Luring in That Trophy Buck: A Hunter’s Guide
Hunting ain’t just about sitting around in a blind, crossing your fingers, and hoping Mr. Big strolls by. Nah, to bag that giant buck you’ve been dreaming of, you gotta up your game with some know-how and the right tools—and I’m not just talking guns or bows here.
Let’s dive deep into strategies that make those old-school methods look like child’s play:
1. Establish That Mineral Site ASAP
You think adding calcium and magnesium only benefits humans? Nope! Deer crave these minerals, especially during spring when they’re growing antlers and post-winter months when food is scarce. Setting up a mineral site with products like Lucky Buck or even just a trophy rock works wonders.
Pro tip: Keep that mineral site active on an annual basis for best results. Locate it near bedding areas but safe enough so timid bucks feel secure visiting.
2. Trail Cameras: Your Eyes in the Woods
I swear by trail cameras—not only do they give you intel on deer activity at your particular location (hey there, big fella), but they let you monitor several spots without leaving behind human scent—an absolute no-go if you’re trying to keep mature bucks undisturbed.
Remember: Place them near feeding zones or trails leading to water sources for peak daylight hours action shots!
3. Mock Scrapes & Liquid Magic
Ever considered mastering the art of making mock scrapes? Pair this technique with liquid attractants (yes, they come in mouth-watering flavors for our four-legged friends) strategically placed around your area during early season through late January for exceptional results.
And here’s one crazier anecdote – once tried hanging a jar of peanut butter (poked holes and all) high up on a tree stump. Let me tell you—the diary entries from my trail cam still entertain me at family gatherings.
4. Food Plots Are Like Doughnut Shops For Deer
Whether it’s Antler King Honey Hole mix planted neatly next to your stand or simply spreading out acorns (deer candy!), creating an irresistible food plot gives those beauties reason enough to linger—increasing chances for daytime appearances during hunting seasons starting September through the late season frost bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to use deer attractants?
In general, it’s best to put out your scent during hunting season and as close as possible to when you plan on hunting. However, if you know that a particular kind of deer comes through your area at a certain time of year (like, during mating season), this would be a suitable time for attracting them!
How long does deer attractant last?
Depending on how much you use, deer attractants can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The best way to keep it fresh is by storing it in a cool, dry place, so the scent doesn’t go bad before you have a chance to use it!
How do I make my own deer attractive?
You can’t really create your own (at least not one that will actually work for this kind of thing!), but you can try finding recipes online if you’re feeling creative! You can check out this video:
Can deer sense smell?
Deer have a pretty good sense of smell, so yes, they can definitely pick up on scents. This is why it’s best to use high-quality ingredients in your deer attractant, as well as make sure that you spread out enough so the scent actually reaches them! If you follow these guidelines, then you should be able to fool even the most seasoned buck into coming right through your areas!
Final Words
Attracting quality whitetails including that elusive mature buck isn’t rocket science—it leans more toward etiquette mixed with strategic placements whether it be scrumptious bait piles or setting up decoys illustrating dominance challenges sure makes rattling bones worth every chilly morning encounter before dawn breaks.
Endnote here folks; maintaining a healthy deer herd ensures prolonged success across seasons ensuring legacy plots bear witness to countless tales shared beneath rustling leaves echoing whispers wind carries away…
