First Impressions of Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed
The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed attractant promises to bring the orchard to your deer stand, luring in trophy bucks with its sweet aroma and blend of proteins and fats. As someone who’s spent countless hours in the woods trying every trick in the book to attract deer, I was eager to see if this product lived up to the hype. This product stood out because of its claims of superior scent distribution, promising to reach deer at crazy long distances.
I’ve always looked for an edge in the field, a way to consistently draw deer into my hunting area. The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed seemed like a promising solution to consistently attract deer. Upon receiving the bag, I was immediately struck by the strong apple scent, much more potent than other apple-flavored attractants I’ve used.
The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed aims to give hunters an edge by appealing to deer’s sense of smell and taste. I was excited to try this attractant over competitors based on its “Airborne Technology” and the claim of 600% more scent molecules. My initial thought was: if the science is sound and the deer like it, this could be a game-changer.
Compared to other apple-flavored attractants I’ve used, like granular mixes and blocks, Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed felt different. I chose this product because of its ready-to-use crushed form and promises of superior scent distribution. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; the strong scent was promising, but the real test would be how the deer reacted.
I was excited by the possibilities. If the science of “Airborne Technology” held true, this could significantly improve my chances of attracting deer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed on a trail camera site in a heavily wooded area of my hunting property. I scattered a generous amount around a known deer trail, placing my trail camera to monitor activity. The conditions were dry, with a slight breeze, ideal for scent dispersion.
The deer seemed interested from the very first night, with several does and a small buck investigating the area. I noticed the scent carried farther than other attractants I’d used, confirming the Wildgame Innovations claim of superior scent distribution. There were no immediate issues, although I wondered how long the attractant would remain effective.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed continued to attract deer, though the initial frenzy subsided slightly. The attractant held up well, showing no signs of mold or spoilage. Maintenance was simple, requiring only occasional replenishment.
After a month, I did notice that the smaller critters, like squirrels and raccoons, also enjoyed the apple scent, so consumption was faster than anticipated. I used this attractant a number of times, and I’ve noticed I needed to refill it more often than corn. Overall, it outperformed other attractants I’d used in terms of initial interest, but longevity was a concern.
Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed
Specifications
The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed comes in a 15 lb bag and is manufactured by Wildgame Innovations in the USA. It combines all-natural apples with proteins and fats to create a highly palatable deer attractant. The patented extrusion process is designed to increase digestion and nutritional absorption.
The specifications highlight the attractant’s ready-to-use nature and enhanced scent dispersion. This means less time mixing and more time attracting deer.
Performance & Functionality
The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed performs admirably as a deer attractant, drawing in deer with its strong apple scent and palatable mix of ingredients. The strength lies in its ability to quickly attract deer to a specific location. The downside is that it does attract other animals, like raccoons and squirrels, which eat it rapidly.
It exceeds expectations in terms of initial attraction but falls slightly short in long-term effectiveness due to rapid consumption. It certainly does meet expectations as a food based attractant.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward. The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed comes in a ready-to-use crushed form. The weight is manageable for easy transport, though the bag is not particularly durable, and the product could easily spill if the bag is damaged.
There is essentially no learning curve. Simply open the bag and pour where desired.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability refers to the product itself, not the packaging. The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed holds up well in various weather conditions, but it attracts insects and rodents, which can accelerate its decomposition. Maintenance involves occasional replenishment as the attractant is consumed.
The product itself is easy to maintain as it requires no mixing or preparation. However, keeping the area around the attractant clean can help reduce unwanted pests.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no accessories included with the Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed. Customization is limited, though some users might mix it with other attractants, such as corn or mineral supplements. The product is compatible with feeders, allowing users to distribute it over a wider area.
Because deer attractants are often used with trail cameras, the use of Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed with a trail camera is the only accessory that would be recommended. You could also add deer minerals to this product.
Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed
Pros
- Strong Apple Scent: The potent aroma effectively attracts deer from a distance.
- Ready-to-Use: No mixing or preparation required, saving time and effort.
- Effective Initial Attraction: Deer are quickly drawn to the site after application.
- All-Natural Ingredients: Appeals to hunters who prefer natural attractants.
- Versatile Application: Can be used directly on the ground or as a feeder topper.
Cons
- Attracts Non-Target Animals: Squirrels, raccoons, and other critters consume it quickly.
- Limited Longevity: Needs frequent replenishment due to consumption by animals and environmental factors.
Who Should Buy Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed?
The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed is perfect for hunters looking for a quick and effective way to attract deer to their hunting area or trail camera site. It’s also well-suited for landowners who want to supplement deer diets with a palatable and nutritious attractant. This product is recommended for those who want to put out food and get an immediate response.
Hunters who should skip this product are those in areas with high populations of non-target animals or those looking for a long-term, low-maintenance attractant solution. If you live in an area with lots of raccoons, bears, or squirrels, this product isn’t going to last long. A must-have accessory is a quality trail camera to monitor deer activity and consumption rates.
Conclusion on Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed
The Wildgame Innovations Apple Crushed is a solid deer attractant that delivers on its promise of quickly drawing deer to a specific location. While it may not be the most cost-effective solution for long-term feeding programs due to rapid consumption by various animals, its convenience and immediate attraction make it a valuable tool for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s an effective, palatable, and convenient product.
The price of $29.99 for a 15 lb bag is reasonable, considering the product’s effectiveness and ease of use. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and reliable way to attract deer, especially for use with trail cameras. Unleash a bushel of attractant power and see the results for yourself!