Let’s Dive into Kishels Crossbreed Lure
Hunting can be a game of patience and skill, but sometimes even the most seasoned hunter needs a little edge. Enter the Kishels Crossbreed Lure, a product promising to attract a variety of game animals with its unique blend of scents. Kishels, a name known to many in the hunting community, offers this lure as a potential game-changer for trappers and hunters alike, appealing to coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, and even some birds. It promises to bring the smell of dew and rain, creating an irresistible olfactory beacon to lure animals into range.
My journey to testing this product started with a frustrating season last year. Despite diligent scouting and using proven calling techniques, I had difficulty attracting predators to my stand. I needed something to draw them in from a distance, especially on those days when the wind wasn’t cooperating, and I wasn’t ready to give up.
Upon receiving the Kishels Crossbreed Lure, my initial impression was a bit underwhelming. The 1 oz container seemed small, but I understand that a little goes a long way with attractants. The scent, right out of the bottle, was interesting – an earthy, almost sweet aroma with a hint of something musky, unlike anything else I have used.
Compared to other coyote lures I’ve used, such as those with a strong skunk or gland-based scent, the Kishels Crossbreed Lure stood out with its milder, more complex profile. Many of the lures I have used try to overwhelm an animals sense, and Kishels Crossbreed Lure takes a different approach that I hope will catch them off guard. I was hoping for something different and this seemed to fit the bill. I opted for this lure hoping its broader appeal would increase my chances of success.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. Past experiences with attractants have been a mixed bag, some proving incredibly effective while others were a complete waste of money. The unique scent profile of the Kishels Crossbreed Lure piqued my curiosity, and I was eager to see if it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kishels Crossbreed Lure to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test with the Kishels Crossbreed Lure took place in a known coyote hotspot, a brushy area bordering a farmer’s field, offering good cover and ample rodent activity. I applied a small amount of the lure to several scent posts around my stand – a few dabs on small branches, and a bit on some cotton swabs placed in the ground. The morning was cool and slightly damp, typical conditions for the area.
The initial results were… quiet. For the first hour, nothing came to the bait. Then, to my surprise, a red fox cautiously approached one of the scent posts. It sniffed intently, circled the area, and eventually marked its territory before moving on. While it wasn’t my primary target, it was an encouraging sign that the lure was attracting attention. No coyotes came within range during that first sit, but the presence of the fox was promising.
I was slightly surprised that the first animal that came to the lure was a fox. I did expect more action, but it was a start. It was easy to apply and was curious to see how things change over time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use across multiple locations, I have a better understanding of the Kishels Crossbreed Lure’s effectiveness. It consistently attracts foxes and raccoons, particularly in areas with dense vegetation. Coyotes have shown interest, though they seem more cautious, often circling downwind before approaching.
The lure’s durability is decent. The scent persists for several days, even after light rain, although reapplication is necessary after heavy downpours. I haven’t noticed any significant degradation of the lure itself; it maintains its consistency and aroma over time.
In comparison to the gland-based lures I have used in the past, the Kishels Crossbreed Lure seems to have a broader appeal but potentially less long-range effectiveness for coyotes. The gland-based lures seem to grab their attention from further distances. It excels at drawing in a variety of animals from a moderate range, making it a versatile option.
Breaking Down the Features of Kishels Crossbreed Lure
Specifications
The Kishels Crossbreed Lure comes in a small, easy-to-carry 1 oz container. This size is ideal for packing into a hunting bag without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. The lure itself is a thick, viscous liquid, dark brown in color, and possesses a unique blend of scents, purportedly mimicking the smell of dew and rain, as well as appealing to various predators and scavengers. The manufacturer is Kishels, a reputable name in hunting and trapping supplies.
The 1 oz container volume is perfect for a season of trapping or hunting, it is not too much and it is not too little. The unique scent blend differentiates it from other lures that focus on one specific type of animal. This makes it a good choice for areas with a variety of wildlife.
Performance & Functionality
The Kishels Crossbreed Lure performs best when applied to scent posts, drag rags, or directly to the ground near traps or calling setups. Its primary function is to attract animals to a specific location, increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt or trapping effort. It excels at drawing in foxes, raccoons, and other small predators, with coyotes showing interest but often requiring additional calling or baiting techniques to fully commit.
The lure’s strength lies in its versatility. Its weakness is its subtlety; it might not have the long-range punch of more aggressive lures. It meets expectations as a general attractant but may require supplementation for specific target animals like coyotes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kishels Crossbreed Lure is designed for ease of use. The container is easy to open and dispense from, and the lure itself is easy to apply. The thick consistency helps it adhere to surfaces, preventing it from washing away quickly in wet conditions. The small size is convenient for carrying in the field.
The lure’s design is simple and functional, with no complicated application procedures. The biggest advantage is how easy the lure is to dispense. The aroma of the Kishels Crossbreed Lure is not overwhelming to the user, making it more pleasant to handle than some other lures.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kishels Crossbreed Lure has a decent shelf life, maintaining its effectiveness for several seasons when stored properly in a cool, dark place. Minimal maintenance is required, other than ensuring the container is tightly sealed after each use to prevent drying or contamination. The lure itself does not appear to degrade significantly over time, maintaining its consistency and aroma.
If stored in the refrigerator, the lure can last for a very long time. The lure is very easy to maintain. Clean off surfaces with soap and water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kishels Crossbreed Lure doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it can be used in conjunction with a variety of trapping and hunting tools, such as scent dispensers, drag rags, and flagging. Its compatibility with various accessories makes it a versatile addition to any hunter or trapper’s arsenal.
Using the Kishels Crossbreed Lure with motion decoys can cause an animal to fully commit to the trap or stand. Scent trails can also be used to increase effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of Kishels Crossbreed Lure
Pros
- Attracts a wide variety of animals, including foxes, raccoons, and coyotes, making it a versatile option for mixed-game areas.
- The unique scent profile sets it apart from other lures, potentially appealing to animals that have become wary of traditional attractants.
- Easy to apply and use, with a thick consistency that adheres well to surfaces.
- Relatively long-lasting scent, persisting for several days even in damp conditions.
- The price is reasonable for the amount of lure and the potential benefits it offers.
Cons
- May not be as effective as specialized lures for attracting coyotes from long distances.
- Requires reapplication after heavy rain to maintain its potency.
Who Should Buy Kishels Crossbreed Lure?
The Kishels Crossbreed Lure is perfect for hunters and trappers targeting a variety of predators and scavengers in areas with mixed game populations. This is also great for those who want to see a lot of action and animals come in. It’s a great option for those who are relatively new to predator hunting and are looking for an easy-to-use and versatile attractant.
Hunters specifically targeting wary coyotes may want to consider using this lure in conjunction with other calling techniques or specialized coyote lures. If you are expecting to only attract one type of animal, you should skip this product. The Kishels Crossbreed Lure is effective when used with motion decoys or scent trails.
Conclusion on Kishels Crossbreed Lure
The Kishels Crossbreed Lure is a valuable addition to any hunter or trapper’s toolkit, offering a versatile and effective way to attract a variety of game animals. While it may not be a silver bullet for every situation, its unique scent profile and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those targeting mixed-game areas. At $11.49, the price is justified by its versatility and the potential for increased success in the field.
I would personally recommend the Kishels Crossbreed Lure to hunters and trappers looking for a general attractant that can draw in a variety of predators and scavengers. Give it a try and see what it can do for your hunting success!