The Bone Collector BC HOUR Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector BC HOUR promises to deliver the “scent of a herd” in a conveniently priced package. Offered by Bone Collector, and retailing at a mere $9.99, it’s a product I approached with a healthy dose of skepticism, given my decade-plus experience with scent attractants and cover scents. Was this the real deal, or just another gimmicky product capitalizing on a famous brand name?
I’ve been hunting whitetail deer for over 15 years, and in that time, I’ve tried everything from grandma’s secret concoctions to the latest and greatest on the market. The challenge is always the same: finding a scent that not only masks human odor but also genuinely attracts deer, especially mature bucks, without spooking them. The hope is to find something that creates a calming affect for the deer to get them closer.
My usual go-to attractants are natural urine-based scents, specifically those that mimic estrus does during the rut. However, these can be expensive and sometimes difficult to apply discreetly. When I saw the Bone Collector BC HOUR and its promise of herd scent in a simple application, I was intrigued. Could this be a more affordable and convenient alternative?
Unboxing the Bone Collector BC HOUR was underwhelming. It’s a small, unassuming package, reflecting its budget price point. The scent was instantly noticeable – a vaguely musky odor with a hint of something sweet. The simplicity of the packaging, and the immediate scent profile, left me unsure but willing to give it a try.
I’ve previously used products like Wildlife Research Center’s Scent Killer and Tink’s #69 Doe-P Estrus scent. The Bone Collector BC HOUR aims for a different approach by replicating the scent of a herd rather than a single doe in heat. This difference in philosophy is what ultimately drew me to try it, as I suspected a herd scent might be less alarming to mature bucks already wary of estrus scents from previous hunts. The low price of the Bone Collector BC HOUR made the risk small enough to try.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price point is attractive, but ultimately, the success of the Bone Collector BC HOUR hinges on its performance in the field. Only time and a few hunts will tell if it lives up to the promise of attracting deer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector BC HOUR to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bone Collector BC HOUR on a recent whitetail hunt in central Wisconsin. This area has a healthy deer population but also receives significant hunting pressure. I applied the scent to several drag rags and hung them in a mock scrape area about 30 yards downwind from my treestand.
The weather was cold and damp, with a slight breeze – conditions typically favorable for scent dispersal. I was immediately impressed by how far the scent carried. I’m not convinced it smells like a “herd,” but it certainly masked my own scent effectively.
During the morning hunt, I saw three does and a small buck. None of them seemed particularly drawn to the scent, but they also didn’t exhibit any signs of alarm. While I didn’t witness any miraculous attraction, the lack of negative reactions was encouraging. There was no initial issue, and this was promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Bone Collector BC HOUR has become a regular part of my hunting setup. I continue to use it as a cover scent and have experimented with different application methods. I even sprayed some directly on my boots to create a scent trail leading to my stand.
The durability of the scent seems fairly good. It lasts for several hours, even in wet conditions. The scent is powerful, but not overwhelming.
While I haven’t experienced a dramatic increase in deer sightings, I also haven’t seen any evidence that it’s negatively impacting my hunts. In fact, I had one instance where a mature buck circled downwind of my stand, pausing near one of the scent rags before moving on. While it’s impossible to say definitively if the Bone Collector BC HOUR was responsible, it was the closest I’ve come to seeing it actively attract deer. I will take that as a win.
Compared to some of the more expensive attractants I’ve used in the past, the Bone Collector BC HOUR might not be a game-changer, but it’s a reliable and affordable option for masking human scent. It has definitely performed well enough to continue using.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector BC HOUR
Specifications
- Product Name: Bone Collector BC HOUR
- Manufacturer: Bone Collector
- Scent Profile: Reproduces the scent of a deer herd.
- Price: $9.99
- Application: Can be sprayed or applied to scent wicks/drags.
- Target Species: Whitetail deer (primarily).
- Purpose: Primarily designed to mask human odor and potentially attract deer.
These specifications are significant because they highlight the product’s core purpose: affordability and scent masking. The low price point makes it accessible to all hunters, while the “herd scent” aims to provide a non-alarming attractant. The fact that it can be applied to a variety of different items makes it useful for the hunter.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector BC HOUR performs adequately as a cover scent. Its effectiveness as an attractant is less pronounced but not entirely absent.
The scent is long-lasting and effectively masks human odor. The product meets expectations for a basic cover scent, but doesn’t dramatically exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and straightforward. The packaging is functional, if not particularly stylish.
The product is easy to use, with no learning curve. The application is smooth and precise.
Durability & Maintenance
The scent itself is durable and long-lasting. The bottle is a standard plastic spray bottle and should hold up with reasonable care.
There is no real maintenance required for this product. Properly storing the product when not in use will ensure it maintains peak effectiveness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bone Collector BC HOUR doesn’t come with any accessories. Hunters can pair it with various scent wicks, drags, or even use it in scent bombs.
The product is compatible with any standard scent application method. This versatility allows hunters to customize its use to suit their specific hunting style and environment.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector BC HOUR
Pros
- Extremely affordable, making it accessible to all hunters.
- Effective at masking human odor.
- Long-lasting scent, even in wet conditions.
- Easy to use and apply.
- Can be used with various scent application methods.
Cons
- Scent profile may not accurately replicate a “herd” scent.
- Attractant properties are subtle and not consistently noticeable.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector BC HOUR?
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious hunters looking for a reliable cover scent. Novice hunters who are experimenting with scent attractants. Experienced hunters who want a backup cover scent option.
- Who should skip this product? Hunters seeking a guaranteed attractant that will consistently draw in mature bucks. Hunters who are willing to spend significantly more money on premium attractants.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? Scent wicks or drags for optimal scent dispersal.
Conclusion on Bone Collector BC HOUR
The Bone Collector BC HOUR is a solid, budget-friendly option for hunters seeking a reliable cover scent. While its attractant properties may be subtle, its effectiveness at masking human odor and its affordable price point make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s arsenal.
The price is definitely justified given its capabilities. It will mask human scent.
I would personally recommend it to hunters who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use cover scent. Pick up a bottle of Bone Collector BC HOUR and see if it gives you the edge you need this season!