I have used alot of them and only a few work consistantly for me. Tinks#69 worked will until the deer in the area got use to it. I collect my own deer urine (separate bucks and does), tarsal glands, and the glands from between the toes. I have better results with my own concoctions. I do use apple cider on a regular basis because per unit it is cheaper than most other attractants. I do like a to utilize a drip bag when possible over a fresh or mock scrape.

corn and sweet feed

trails end #307...Great stuff all season.

What about Bowhunter's Setup?  Anybody tried that?  I've heard a couple of people around here say it works really well.

I collect urine from any deer I shoot or any I help someone else find , but the trick is not taking out the bladder and emptying into jar but get the bladder and squeeze the urine through the urinary tract . It can be messy but I learned from trapping fox that bladder urine has minimal smell whereas there are a lot of glands in the urinary tract that add to the "smell" quality . Maybe I just overdo things , Fred

I should also mention beaver castor if ya hunt where there are beaver, it works great! One word of caution only use an amount equal to a pin head. It is that strong! Shawn

I collect acorns and oak leaves and brew in a pot until a dark brown tea is created. Then I sift the broth into a container to filter out the crud. Pour some of the juice in a spray bottle then spray your clothes. It is a very sweet smelling aroma to deer and humans alike.

Barebow,

That sounds really interesting. How long have you used that method?

Landshark,

In the early 90s, I used the bowhunter's setup product when it was made and marketed locally here in Central Florida.  I can tell you without a doubt that it worked as an attractant.  If it is the same product that Muzzy is marketing now, then it is worth buying and trying. I plan on giving it a try to see if it is the same stuff.

Gregg

Thanks Gregg, I think I'll try it this year too.

Vanilla extract (Real is better)
And Shawn beat me to it, Beaver castor    

Tracy

T.J.,
I've only used the acorn/oakleaf tea for a couple years now and I like it a lot. It smells so good I don't mind spraying it on heavy. I even spray it on the ground where I hunt near oak trees, and it's a very natural and appealing scent to the deer. Also, that might help to keep them from zeroing in on me. I may try adding some dirt and ferns, etc. to the mix this year.
IMO, I don't like to use dominant buck urine because I believe it could backfire causing larger buck's who already have does' with them to move away to avoid competition. It may also cause smaller bucks and does' (not in heat), to avoid the area. The same with doe-n-heat scents, because I think does' that are not in heat may try to avoid those who are in order to keep bucks from harassing them. With a natural lure attractant scent, I feel the chances of having more deer come into bow range are better. If more does' and smaller bucks are in an area, then maybe the larger bucks feel more at ease to come  there too. Besides, the acorn/oakleaf tea is free.

Shawn that's top secret info right there. That's why the Old Indian works good.

Barebow,

Thanks, I'll definatly try that this year. That sounds like a great combo to me.

the very best attractant for rut time that I've ever used is the urine and tarsal glands from a BUCK deer. I try to extract the urine and preserve the tarsal glands from every buck I possibly can with the 'rutting buck' being the best. a black/wet tarsal gland that smells to high heaven is worth more to me than 25 FREE gallons of any store bought scent. I've saw bucks come in to these scents doing all sorts of wild things. ears pinned back, hair all standing up on their backs and walking stiff legged like they're coming into the ring after the championship title. give this a try and you'll be sold just like I was more than 30 years ago plus, IT'S FREE.

X2 on the anise oil. I poured some out on my woodpile last year, and the deer were sniffin around there for days.

"Absence Of" works best for me

"Absence of"-probably best strategy of all.

I never had much luck with scents but the only one I ever used and ACTUALLY-without a doubt-the deer were responding to the scent-saw with my own two eyes-was Bob Kirschner's curiosity scent.

Two does came in from 200 yards (downwind) out with their noses in the air. Got to within 80 yards and picked me up-game over.   :D  

I have and still use home brew cover scent as it is what grows in my hunting areas. before that I used essence of fall as a cover and I guess it worked had it on when the does came in downwind. Bottom line on cover stuff is it is only meant to confuse em for a second. Nothing will totally cover ya up-not even scent lok.

The most effective deer attractant I've ever used was to doze off up in the stand with my longbow hanging on a hook.  Works like a charm and it's free!  
Seriously, I've never had success with deer scents/lures so consequently haven't used them for quite awhile now.  
I wash my hunting clothes in baking soda only, hang dry, and try to keep myself clean before hunting.  I see plenty of deer.  Now shooting them, that's another matter...LOL!

another for Trails end #307