What really works??
10-04-2005, 08:13 AM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Flowery Branch Ga. 30542
Posts: 823
RE: What really works??
if the criteria is; that the deer actually come up and physically touch or smell the scent or container. then I have never seen any of it work. don't really mess with it anymore..
10-04-2005, 09:45 AM
#12
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 380
RE: What really works??
Fool-proof secrets to seeing deer on the stand.
1) Scout.
2) Scout.
3) Scout.
4) Pattern the deer you scouted.
5) Scout.
6) Scout.
7) Perfect your deer pattern.
8) Determine the right area to hang a stand.
9) Determine the right tree (wind directions, sun directions, cover, distance from the typical deer route).
10) Hang the stand.
11) Determine the right conditions to hunt the stand.
12) Get in the stand early, stay still and quiet, and leave late.
If that doesn't work, you need to go back to step 1. Scents, calls, decoys, bait, food plots, and other advanced tactics are like a little bit of frosting on the fantastic cake you made in steps 1-12. If you plan out the wind right, cover scents aren't terribly important (important, but not the secret), and if you put your stand in the right spot, you shouldn't have to bribe (scent, bait, food, decoy) the deer to come to you. They're already there!
Good luck.
1) Scout.
2) Scout.
3) Scout.
4) Pattern the deer you scouted.
5) Scout.
6) Scout.
7) Perfect your deer pattern.
8) Determine the right area to hang a stand.
9) Determine the right tree (wind directions, sun directions, cover, distance from the typical deer route).
10) Hang the stand.
11) Determine the right conditions to hunt the stand.
12) Get in the stand early, stay still and quiet, and leave late.
If that doesn't work, you need to go back to step 1. Scents, calls, decoys, bait, food plots, and other advanced tactics are like a little bit of frosting on the fantastic cake you made in steps 1-12. If you plan out the wind right, cover scents aren't terribly important (important, but not the secret), and if you put your stand in the right spot, you shouldn't have to bribe (scent, bait, food, decoy) the deer to come to you. They're already there!
Good luck.
10-04-2005, 11:54 AM
#13
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 33
RE: What really works??
FL/GA,
Great response! I do all that you had mentioned. If I sit on a stand 60 times per year (sept-jan)...Im would guess 50 out of the 60 I see deer.....30 times I have a shot. I shoot 2-3 selected animals per year for my own consumption & have enough time & opprtunities to take more if needed.....thats plenty for me! Soto what you had written all new & seasoned hunters should follow that method or steps if they want consistant sightings.
I am just looking for a couple of good reasons (peoples feedback) not to waste my $ anymore on lures & such. The only cover scent I've used is fox urine...& that didn't work @ all! So for grits & shins...Im gonna try the vanilla extract a few times before the rut to see if it has an adverse effect.
Henny
Great response! I do all that you had mentioned. If I sit on a stand 60 times per year (sept-jan)...Im would guess 50 out of the 60 I see deer.....30 times I have a shot. I shoot 2-3 selected animals per year for my own consumption & have enough time & opprtunities to take more if needed.....thats plenty for me! Soto what you had written all new & seasoned hunters should follow that method or steps if they want consistant sightings.
I am just looking for a couple of good reasons (peoples feedback) not to waste my $ anymore on lures & such. The only cover scent I've used is fox urine...& that didn't work @ all! So for grits & shins...Im gonna try the vanilla extract a few times before the rut to see if it has an adverse effect.
Henny
10-04-2005, 09:15 PM
#14
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 39,060
RE: What really works??
Your right henny I didn't tie that back in but the rest did. Sorry call it morning still not awake. I use my scents only for stopping the animal in a shooting lane. Otherwise, I use nothing. What's to say the buck gets on my trail and goes in the opposite direction. Remember, it's a 50/50 chance. Also, the resisdents do a great job in the mornings with cover up scents. They are wearingperfume and after shave. If it's in the evening, there is a fire burning and smoke is in the air.
Like I said I use it for stopping the deer. If your in an area and you don't want to walk across a trail, put some on a stick and toss it to where you want him to stop and smell.
Like I said I use it for stopping the deer. If your in an area and you don't want to walk across a trail, put some on a stick and toss it to where you want him to stop and smell.
10-04-2005, 09:36 PM
#15
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Baumholder, DEU/By Way of Arkansas
Posts: 2,849
RE: What really works??
Scents don't mean jack, if they're not used properly or at the right times. Early season I pretty much just use cover scents and try to stay scent free. Later on in pre-rut, and rut I do bust out the scents, but results for me are mixed to say the least.
Calls, I've also had mixed results. I use them very little, and if I have seen deer after using them, I can't tell you whether or not they were just passing through, or if they were responding to calls.
The buck/doe ratio is so outta whack where I'm at the rut isn't intense. Deer don't respond well to calls or scents.
Calls, I've also had mixed results. I use them very little, and if I have seen deer after using them, I can't tell you whether or not they were just passing through, or if they were responding to calls.
The buck/doe ratio is so outta whack where I'm at the rut isn't intense. Deer don't respond well to calls or scents.
10-04-2005, 11:49 PM
#17
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Iowa
Posts: 17
RE: What really works??
Hi Henny,
I too have experimented with many. I did have little success with vanilla in the terms of small bucks. Did bring a couple right to ladder to sniff and lick. Never pulled any monsters in. Other scents, tried Mrs. Doe Pea, Tinks, you name it - no results.
The crowd is right - scout, pattern, stand location, scent free and hunt the wind.
I have however been quite successful in generating activity with real antlers - a heavy set of 8 pointers. I used to use lighter 6 pointers and ended up with smaller bucks coming in - they were easier to carry
. The horns combined with grunting work well in my arebut have a fairly competitive rut. That is the biggest factor on deer reaction to horns, grunting and snort wheez.
Anyway - give horns a try if you think there is good competition for does. Some big rattling horns might get you a look at another big set!
Good luck.
I too have experimented with many. I did have little success with vanilla in the terms of small bucks. Did bring a couple right to ladder to sniff and lick. Never pulled any monsters in. Other scents, tried Mrs. Doe Pea, Tinks, you name it - no results.
The crowd is right - scout, pattern, stand location, scent free and hunt the wind.
I have however been quite successful in generating activity with real antlers - a heavy set of 8 pointers. I used to use lighter 6 pointers and ended up with smaller bucks coming in - they were easier to carry
. The horns combined with grunting work well in my arebut have a fairly competitive rut. That is the biggest factor on deer reaction to horns, grunting and snort wheez.Anyway - give horns a try if you think there is good competition for does. Some big rattling horns might get you a look at another big set!
Good luck.
10-05-2005, 12:31 AM
#18
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cornwall, Pa.
Posts: 1,720
RE: What really works??
Rattling with a real set of antlers is my favorite. Before rut I use them sparingly just touching the tines together. When the rut starts I give them a good banging. I'm sold on this technique.
10-05-2005, 01:13 AM
#19
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3,903
RE: What really works??
If I'm the only one around thats had good results with certain scents I must be one lucky dawg! Either that or I'm the only one taking extra precautions and using them right. Either way , it doesn't sound like you want advice with scents , it sounds like your just looking for others who feel the same as you.
10-05-2005, 04:48 AM
#20
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Ft. Myers Florida
Posts: 255
RE: What really works??
It cracks me up to read these forums. Makes you realize you are not alone in questions and opinions. I have become discouraged by attractants myself. I have tried everything and realized it really does not make a difference. And about the Vanilla, I had heard about this 2 years ago and began to use this as a cover scent last year. Still not sure if it works but I will continue to use it again this year just in case. Vanilla extract is cheap!