Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz Review

The Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz Made a Bold First Impression

After a decade navigating the ins and outs of outdoor gear, I’ve seen a lot of gimmicks promising to be the “next big thing” in hunting. But the Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz piqued my interest because it combined a simple scent dispersal method with a seemingly well-formulated attractant. This wasn’t just another scent bomb; it was a system designed to mimic natural deer behavior and capitalize on their established routines. My hope was to find a reliable way to maintain active scrapes on my hunting property without constant reapplication, ultimately increasing my chances of drawing in mature bucks.

I was struggling to keep my mock scrapes consistently attractive. Rain, wind, and simply the passage of time diminished the scent, requiring me to revisit the scrapes frequently. The Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz offered a potential solution by automatically replenishing the scent, theoretically making it a more effective long-term attractant. My initial thought was to use it to revitalize some older scrapes that had gone cold.

Upon unboxing, I immediately appreciated the simplicity of the design. The dripper itself felt sturdy, if a bit lightweight, constructed from a durable-looking plastic. The included 4-oz bottle of Active Scrape was securely sealed, and the scent was pungent but not overwhelming. It smelled like a genuine mix of urine-based attractants, not an artificial imitation. I was eager to get it set up.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz. I looked at the Tink’s Scent Dripper, but I was concerned about its simpler design and potential for inconsistent dripping. The Code Blue Scrape Mate Dripper also caught my eye, but it seemed more focused on estrus scents rather than the broader buck attractant I was seeking. The combo of the Wildlife Research dripper and Active Scrape seemed like a more comprehensive approach.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The simplicity and focused design gave me hope, but the real test would be its performance in the field. Time to see if this little contraption can truly deliver on its promises.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz on a well-traveled deer trail in a hardwood bottom near my hunting camp in northern Wisconsin. I located an existing, but inactive, scrape and freshened it up before hanging the dripper on an overhanging branch about three feet above the ground. The setup was quick and easy. I carefully filled the dripper with the Active Scrape scent, making sure not to overfill it.

The weather was cool and damp, typical for late October in Wisconsin. The Magnum Scrape-Dripper initially dripped at a consistent rate during the day, as advertised. I liked the idea of it only dripping during daylight hours, mimicking natural doe behavior and hopefully triggering a more aggressive response from bucks. Thankfully, it did indeed shut off during a light rain shower, preventing scent wastage. I checked it after 3 days, and there was clear deer activity near the scrape, including fresh tracks and licking branches.

Initially, I found the dripper surprisingly effective. The constant dispensing of the scent maintained a fresh and potent aroma in the area, which the deer seemed to notice.

Extended Use & Reliability

After two months of use, the Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz held up reasonably well, although not without some minor issues. The plastic dripper itself remained intact, showing no signs of cracking or damage despite several freezing and thawing cycles. The scent reservoir lasted approximately 2 weeks with a full 4-oz fill, depending on the weather.

The one issue I encountered was with the dripping mechanism. After about a month, the dripper became slightly less consistent, sometimes dripping too fast and other times not at all. I found that cleaning the nozzle with a small wire helped to resolve the issue, but it required periodic maintenance. The scent did attract deer, but I also found myself refilling it more often than I anticipated.

Compared to simply applying scent to a scrape, the Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz definitely provided a more consistent level of attraction. However, it didn’t completely eliminate the need for monitoring and maintenance. It outperformed basic scent application, but fell short of the “set it and forget it” ideal.

Breaking Down the Features of Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz

Specifications

• Magnum Scrape-Dripper: This component utilizes a gravity-fed system designed to drip scent only during daylight hours, maximizing attraction during peak deer activity. The plastic construction is lightweight but seemingly durable enough for typical outdoor conditions.

• 4-oz. bottle of Active Scrape: This attractant contains a blend of buck-in-rut and doe-in-heat urines, creating a potent scent profile designed to stimulate scrape-marking behavior in bucks. The urine-based formula is designed to mimic natural deer communication signals.

• Cabela’s Exclusive: Being a Cabela’s exclusive, ensures that the product is directly available from a reputable retailer specializing in outdoor gear. This also means it might not be as widely available as some other brands.

• Scent Dispersal: The dripper is designed to operate for up to two or three weeks on a four-ounce fill, providing consistent scent distribution. This allows for minimal hunter disturbance.

Performance & Functionality

The Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz performs its primary function – attracting deer – reasonably well. The Active Scrape scent is effective at drawing attention to the scrape site. The dripper’s intermittent dispensing helps to conserve scent and potentially amplify its effect by mimicking the natural scent-marking behavior of deer.

The main strength lies in its ability to maintain a consistent scent presence. A minor weakness is the occasional inconsistency in the dripping mechanism. It met my expectations for a simple, entry-level scent dispersal system, but didn’t blow me away.

Design & Ergonomics

The dripper’s design is simple and functional. The lightweight plastic construction is easy to handle and hang. The screw-top design allows for easy refilling of the scent.

There’s not much of a learning curve; anyone can quickly set it up and use it. The simplicity is a significant advantage.

Durability & Maintenance

The dripper is made from a reasonably durable plastic that should withstand typical outdoor conditions for at least one season, possibly more with careful handling. However, prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight or extreme temperatures could potentially degrade the plastic over time.

Maintenance primarily involves periodically cleaning the drip nozzle to prevent clogging. This is a simple process that can be done with a small wire or pin. Proper storage during the off-season will help to extend its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz is primarily a standalone product. It doesn’t offer many customization options. However, the dripper can be used with other liquid deer scents, allowing you to experiment with different attractants.

While there aren’t specific “accessories” designed for this particular dripper, it is compatible with universal scent wicks that could be placed near the scrape to further enhance the scent dispersal.

Pros and Cons of Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz

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Who Should Buy Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz?

• Perfect for: Hunters looking for an affordable and easy-to-use scent dispersal system to enhance their mock scrapes. It is especially beneficial for hunters who can’t visit their hunting spots frequently and need a system that maintains scent presence over a longer period. It’s a great entry-level product for new hunters or those experimenting with scent attractants.

• Who should skip this product? Hunters who demand unwavering reliability and are willing to invest in more expensive, high-end scent dispersal systems. Also, hunters in extremely harsh climates where the plastic might be prone to rapid degradation.

• Must-have accessories or modifications? A small cleaning wire or pin to maintain the drip nozzle is essential. Also, extra bottles of Wildlife Research Active Scrape or another compatible scent to refill the dripper throughout the season.

Conclusion on Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz

The Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz is a decent entry-level product that offers a convenient way to maintain active scrapes and attract deer. While it’s not without its flaws – the inconsistent dripping mechanism and somewhat flimsy plastic construction – it delivers on its core promise of consistent scent dispersal at an affordable price. The included Active Scrape scent is effective, and the overall simplicity of the system makes it easy for anyone to use.

At $8.99, the price is certainly justified for what you get. It’s a budget-friendly option that can potentially increase your chances of success during the rut.

I would personally recommend the Wildlife Research Active Scrape Dripper Deer 4 oz to hunters looking for an inexpensive and easy way to enhance their scrape hunting strategy. It’s not a miracle worker, but it’s a valuable tool that can help you attract more deer to your hunting area. Give it a try and see if it helps you bag that buck of a lifetime.

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