I have used , tinks, buck bomb, doe in heat , code blue, etc...never brought a deer in.. now, evercalm, that didnt bring em in, but it did keep them around, longer than I wanted them to
Evercalm is illegal in VA now... DNR says it can spread CWD.. any scent from natural secretions of deer is prohibited
I put wicks out, mainly as cover scent on calmer days. Tried everything from bottled local to store bought. The only thing I have ever had a visually comfirmed buck check out was the Golden Estrus from Wal mart. Bought a bunch as it was $1.99 on clearance. 2 different young bucks checked out 2 different wicks. Think a 3rd did as well but can't remeber if it was 2 or 3 but know 2 for certain. I just buy what is available. Same with buck bombs, but anymore they are like $12-15, used to be 5.99. Going to be a calm variable wind tomorrow so I'll probably have about 8-10 wicks out around my shooting area. Just to try to mix in with any of my scent pooling.
I have tried pretty much them all out there. Had never really a big reaction from a deer who even approached them. I think they help more as a cover scent but not as much of an attraction.
I spilled some Special Golden Estrus in some pine needles once coming from my stand and I came back the next day and a deer had tore that place up.
I have had really good luck with the Hunters Specialities estrous wafers. They really don't smell like the stuff in the bottles but I've had deer come to them. Maybe just curiosity. Never had a deer come to any estrous in the bottle. I also use buck urine and have had luck with that. Sent from my moto g(6) (XT1925DL) using Tapatalk
There is no such thing as a cover scent. You could piss on scent wicks and it would be just as effective.
I like James Valley Wallhanger but it's not a like they're on a wire attractant. Used sparingly in a scrape over the course of a week and then hanging a wick one sit has the possibility of maybe working... I think all scents for the most part do more harm than good and are just an Avenue to my wallet. They're like lottery tickets for hunters..
None. One time in 14 years of hunting did I have a buck come in on a string. Otherwise, they either don't care or avoid it. I will say that evercalm really does work as a cover scent. I'm not saying that a mature buck will put up with it, but if you just want meat, you'll have young deer mill around you for a long time with that stuff on you. But lastly for any new bowhunters, always hunt the wind.
This is a very controversial take but I’d have to agree. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
None, they are all a waste of money. If there was scent that really smelled like a doe an hematite would be fool proof. Burn you money at least you will get the heat out of it.
I have to disagree. I’ve had a lot of luck using a combination of cocoa butter, fried chicken grease, and cigarette smoke is a cover scent.... I do have a kind of unique situation as the upwind side of my property borders a Walmart with a gas station and a fried chicken joint in the parking lot... YMMV.