First Thoughts on the Deer Cane Apple UV
The Deer Cane Apple UV from Evolved Habitats promises a simple solution to attract deer to your hunting grounds. For over a decade, I’ve navigated the intricate world of outdoor and tactical gear, and the allure of a product that uses mineral supplementation and scent to draw in game is certainly intriguing. Could this powdered concoction truly create a hot spot for bucks looking to bolster their health and dominance?
My property has seen a steady decline in deer activity over the past few years, despite consistent food plots. The neighboring farms have shifted their crops, and I suspect the deer have followed. I was seeking an affordable and effective way to re-establish a consistent deer presence on my land. The promise of a mineral vapor trail and the added attractant of apple piqued my interest.
Upon receiving the Deer Cane Apple UV, I noted the simple packaging and dry, powdered consistency. It looked and smelled like ground minerals with a strong artificial apple scent. It was definitely different compared to the molasses-based attractants I had tried in the past, which were heavier and stickier.
I considered other mineral licks and blocks, as well as liquid attractants. I chose the Deer Cane Apple UV primarily due to its ease of application and the dual benefit of mineral supplementation and scent attraction at a very attractive price point of $7.49. The UV component, promising added visibility to deer, was a curiosity that sealed the deal.
My initial impression was a blend of hope and skepticism. The price was right, and the concept was sound, but I questioned the long-term effectiveness of a powdered mineral lick in varying weather conditions. Would it truly hold up and deliver on its promise to attract deer? Only time and real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Deer Cane Apple UV to the Test
First Use Experience
I selected a promising location in a secluded area of my property, near a well-worn deer trail and a natural water source, to apply the Deer Cane Apple UV. After clearing away some leaf litter, I poured the powder onto the bare soil. The initial apple scent was potent, and the powder readily absorbed moisture from the damp ground.
Within 24 hours, I checked the site. There were definite signs of activity – disturbed soil and deer tracks. However, it was difficult to determine if this was simply routine deer traffic or a direct result of the Deer Cane Apple UV. I also observed that a light rain had somewhat diminished the intensity of the apple scent, though the mineral base remained.
The application was incredibly easy – a stark contrast to mixing liquid attractants or lugging heavy mineral blocks. However, I worried about the longevity of the attractant, especially compared to these other more robust options.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three weeks of monitoring the site, the Deer Cane Apple UV continued to attract deer. I noticed more frequent and prolonged visits, evidenced by increased tracks and deeper pawing in the mineral site. A trail camera confirmed regular visits by both bucks and does. The deer were actively licking and consuming the minerals.
The durability was acceptable, though not exceptional. Heavy rainfall washed away some of the minerals and significantly reduced the apple scent. Re-application was necessary after each significant rain event, which meant more frequent trips to the site and increased product consumption. I have found a rough estimate of 3 re-applications per bag of Deer Cane Apple UV.
Cleaning isn’t applicable with this product as it is designed to be consumed and dissipate into the environment. However, the ease of application and the observed deer activity suggest it outperforms other attractants in convenience, despite requiring more frequent replenishment. Compared to the molasses based attractants, there is a decrease of attractant stickiness on the boots while planting the attractant.
Breaking Down the Features of Deer Cane Apple UV
Specifications
- The Deer Cane Apple UV is a mineral supplement designed to attract deer. It comes in a dry, powdered form, typically sold in bags weighing a few pounds.
- The key ingredients include essential minerals for deer health and rack development, along with an artificial apple flavoring for enhanced attraction and a UV enhancer for increased visibility. These factors directly influence deer behavior and preference.
Performance & Functionality
The Deer Cane Apple UV performs effectively in attracting deer to a specific location, especially during the pre-rut and early rut seasons. Deer are drawn to the site to lick, paw, mark, and consume the minerals, establishing a mineral lick that encourages repeated visits. The key weakness lies in its vulnerability to weather conditions, specifically heavy rain, which diminishes its effectiveness and requires reapplication.
The Deer Cane Apple UV meets expectations as an affordable and easy-to-use deer attractant. However, its limited durability in wet conditions means it requires more frequent monitoring and replenishment compared to more robust mineral blocks or liquid attractants.
Design & Ergonomics
The dry, powdered form of the Deer Cane Apple UV makes it incredibly easy to apply. The product’s light weight also contributes to ease of transport and application.
There is no real learning curve – simply pour the powder onto bare soil in a location frequented by deer. The strong apple scent is immediately noticeable, providing an initial olfactory attractant that complements the mineral supplementation.
Durability & Maintenance
As a consumable product, the Deer Cane Apple UV doesn’t offer long-term durability in the traditional sense. Its effectiveness is directly tied to the amount of product remaining at the site.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent, aside from replenishing the mineral lick after rainfall or when deer activity diminishes. The ease of reapplication, however, offsets the need for frequent maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Deer Cane Apple UV is primarily a standalone product, designed to be used as-is without additional accessories. There are no specific customization options, although hunters could potentially combine it with other attractants or scents to further enhance its effectiveness. Be careful mixing foreign attractants into the Deer Cane Apple UV.
It is compatible with trail cameras for monitoring deer activity at the mineral lick site. Other supplemental feed or attractants could be used in conjunction, although the core function of the Deer Cane Apple UV is to provide a readily accessible mineral source with an added apple scent attractant.
Pros and Cons of Deer Cane Apple UV
Pros
- Easy to use: Simple application process, requires no mixing or special equipment.
- Affordable: Cost-effective compared to other deer attractants and mineral supplements.
- Effective attractant: Attracts deer to a specific location, promoting repeated visits.
- Mineral supplementation: Provides essential minerals for deer health and rack development.
- UV enhancement: Potentially increases visibility to deer, enhancing attraction.
Cons
- Weather-dependent: Easily washed away by rain, requiring frequent reapplication.
- Limited longevity: Shorter lifespan compared to mineral blocks or liquid attractants.
Who Should Buy Deer Cane Apple UV?
The Deer Cane Apple UV is perfect for hunters on a budget who need a quick and easy way to attract deer to a specific location for scouting or hunting purposes. It’s also suitable for landowners looking to supplement the mineral intake of their local deer population.
This product might not be the best choice for those in areas with frequent heavy rainfall or for individuals seeking a long-term, low-maintenance mineral supplementation solution. If you live in a very wet area, I recommend looking into more weather resistant attractants.
A trail camera is a must-have accessory for monitoring deer activity at the Deer Cane Apple UV site, allowing you to track visitation patterns and assess the product’s effectiveness. It is also important to check your local laws and regulations regarding the use of attractants.
Conclusion on Deer Cane Apple UV
The Deer Cane Apple UV offers an affordable and convenient solution for attracting deer, particularly for hunters on a budget or those needing a quick and easy setup. Its ease of use and observed effectiveness in drawing deer make it a worthwhile option.
While its weather dependency and limited longevity are drawbacks, the low price point and ease of reapplication justify its value proposition. For just $7.49, you get a potent attractant that can significantly increase deer activity in your hunting area.
I would personally recommend the Deer Cane Apple UV to hunters and landowners looking for an inexpensive and effective way to attract deer. It’s a great tool for scouting, establishing mineral licks, and enhancing the overall deer population on your property. Give it a try and see the results for yourself – you might be surprised by the deer traffic it generates!