First Thoughts on the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is a mineral block designed to attract deer, elk, and moose. Marketed by Evolved, it boasts an irresistible flavor profile, combined with beneficial mineral nutrients like calcium and phosphorous, all packed into a convenient 4 lb block. This product piqued my interest because, after years of hunting the same heavily pressured public land, I needed a reliable way to concentrate deer activity near my stands without resorting to practices that might be deemed unethical or illegal. I hoped the Buck Licker Sweet would offer a legal and effective solution.
Having experimented with homemade mineral licks in the past, with varying degrees of success, I was looking for a pre-packaged solution that would offer consistency and enhanced mineral content. My previous attempts often involved mixing agricultural lime with salt and other trace minerals, but the results were inconsistent, and the deer seemed to lose interest after a short period. The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet promised a more refined and palatable formula.
Upon unboxing (or rather, unwrapping the plastic film), the first thing I noticed was the strong, sweet acorn scent. The block itself felt solid and dense. Its color was a consistent brown, hinting at a well-mixed and uniform composition. Compared to some generic salt licks I’ve seen, the Buck Licker Sweet appeared more carefully crafted.
I considered using generic mineral blocks or even molasses-based attractants, but the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet specifically advertised the addition of calcium and phosphorous. These are crucial for antler growth and overall deer health. That was a compelling factor that swayed my decision. Initial impressions were positive, sparking a sense of cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the deer would respond to it as enthusiastically as the packaging suggested.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet in a wooded area approximately 100 yards from a frequently used deer trail on my hunting property. This area offered good cover and visibility from my treestand. I placed the block near a well-worn game trail, slightly exposed to the elements, hoping the scent would carry. Within 24 hours, I observed deer tracks and significant licking activity around the block.
The weather during the initial testing period was mixed, with periods of rain and sunshine. Even after a heavy downpour, the Buck Licker Sweet retained its shape and didn’t dissolve completely. The block remained attractive to the deer, which was a significant improvement over some powdered mineral supplements I’ve used in the past that turned into a muddy mess after rain. There were no immediate issues; the deer were actively engaging with the product.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of monitoring the site, I observed a consistent pattern of deer visitation. The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet held up remarkably well, considering the constant licking and weather exposure. The block gradually decreased in size, but it remained intact. There were no signs of crumbling or significant degradation.
After three months, about half of the block remained. I’d noticed that the initial frenzy of licking activity had subsided slightly, but the deer were still visiting the site regularly. The only maintenance required was occasionally clearing away fallen leaves and debris from around the block. Compared to my previous experiences with homemade mineral licks, the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet was significantly more effective and longer-lasting. It definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet
Specifications
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is a pre-packaged, mineral-rich block. It weighs 4 lbs and features an “Acorn Sweet” flavor designed to attract deer, elk, and moose. The block is also fortified with calcium and phosphorous to promote antler growth and overall health in the animals that consume it.
The 4 lb weight makes it easy to transport and place in the field. The calcium and phosphorous content is a crucial detail because these minerals are essential for healthy bone and antler development. The acorn flavor provides a palatable incentive for the animals to regularly visit the site and consume the minerals.
Performance & Functionality
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet performs its primary function, attracting deer, very effectively. The deer in my test area readily consumed the block. I consistently observed increased activity around the site where it was placed.
One strength is its ability to withstand varying weather conditions without quickly dissolving or losing its appeal. One potential weakness might be that, as the block shrinks, smaller animals may have difficulty reaching it. Overall, the product met and even exceeded my initial expectations in terms of attracting and retaining deer.
Design & Ergonomics
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet features a simple, functional design. The block is solid and compact, making it easy to handle and transport. The sweet acorn scent is immediately noticeable, suggesting a palatable flavor profile for the target animals.
The block has a comfortable weight for carrying into the woods, but you’ll still want to pack it in with a backpack or game bag to save your hands. I found the design to be user-friendly; there was no learning curve involved. It’s a simple product with a straightforward application.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, I estimate that a single Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet block will last approximately 2-3 months with regular deer activity. The exact lifespan will vary depending on the number of animals visiting the site and the environmental conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving occasional clearing of debris from around the block. The block requires no repair, as it is designed to be consumed over time. This makes it a low-maintenance and relatively hassle-free attractant option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is a standalone product. There are no included accessories or official customization options. However, it could be strategically placed near trail cameras to monitor deer activity.
Unofficially, one could potentially enhance its effectiveness by combining it with other attractants, such as corn or apples. However, users should be mindful of local regulations regarding baiting practices. Keep in mind that the key selling point is the mineral content, so additional attractants are supplementary.
Pros and Cons of Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet
Pros
- Effective attractant: Consistently draws deer, elk, and moose to the designated area.
- Mineral-rich: Contains beneficial calcium and phosphorous for antler growth and overall health.
- Long-lasting: Retains its shape and appeal even after exposure to rain and other weather conditions.
- Easy to use: Requires no mixing or preparation; simply place it in the desired location.
- Affordable: Priced at $4.99, it offers a cost-effective solution for attracting deer.
Cons
- May attract other animals: Could potentially attract unwanted wildlife, such as bears or raccoons.
- Limited lifespan: The 4 lb block will eventually be consumed, requiring periodic replacement.
Who Should Buy Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet?
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is perfect for hunters seeking to concentrate deer activity near their stands. It’s also suitable for wildlife enthusiasts who want to observe and photograph deer in a specific area. Land managers looking to improve the overall health of their deer populations may also find this product useful.
This product might not be ideal for those who are strictly opposed to using attractants or baiting practices. Also, if you live in an area with a high population of bears or other potentially problematic wildlife, you may want to consider alternative methods to avoid attracting unwanted attention. If you want to enhance its effects, pair it with a trail camera.
Conclusion on Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is a reliable and affordable attractant. It is effective at drawing deer and providing essential minerals. At a price point of $4.99, the value proposition is excellent.
I would personally recommend this product to any hunter or wildlife enthusiast looking for a simple and effective way to attract deer. Its ease of use, long-lasting formula, and beneficial mineral content make it a worthwhile investment. Place your Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet block today and see what it can do for your hunting season!