The Bone Collector Made a Bold First Impression
The Bone Collector: it’s a name that conjures images of grizzled outdoorsmen and the silent, primal hunt. But in this case, the Bone Collector, manufactured by an unknown entity, isn’t a high-powered rifle or a state-of-the-art hunting knife. Instead, it’s a “Pre-Orbital Gland For Licking”, priced at a modest $8.49. My initial reaction was, frankly, bewilderment, quickly followed by a surge of morbid curiosity.
I stumbled upon the Bone Collector while researching attractants for deer hunting. I was specifically looking for something novel, something that would pique the interest of mature bucks accustomed to the usual corn piles and salt licks. The promise of a “Pre-Orbital Gland For Licking” certainly fit the bill.
Unboxing was… anticlimactic. There was no fancy packaging, just a small, unassuming container holding what appears to be a synthesized pre-orbital gland secretion. The smell is faintly musky and strangely compelling, with an undertone of… something vaguely sweet. Its build quality cannot be measured by standard metrics.
It’s difficult to compare this product directly to others, as there isn’t much on the market in this… niche. I was also considering Tink’s #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Lure and some generic deer urine attractant. However, the promise of something truly unique, something that speaks to the primal instincts of the deer, drew me to the Bone Collector.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism mixed with amusement. This is either going to be a stroke of genius or a complete and utter waste of $8.49. I had to see it for myself and for you guys.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bone Collector to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Bone Collector took place in a heavily wooded area known for its mature buck population. I selected a rub line along a game trail and applied a small amount of the “Pre-Orbital Gland For Licking” to several trees at nose height for deer. I also placed a small amount on a nearby licking branch.
The conditions were damp and cool, with a slight breeze carrying the scent. The breeze was good, allowing the scent to permeate the area. I monitored the area with a trail camera for a week.
Initially, I saw no immediate results, there were no deer drawn to the specific trees where I applied the attractant. However, after three days, a small spike buck started exhibiting unusual behavior around one of the treated trees. He spent an extended period licking and rubbing his antlers on it. I didn’t experience an immediate harvest, but the deer were interested.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of use, I’ve seen a consistent pattern. While the Bone Collector doesn’t seem to attract deer from long distances, it does seem to hold their attention once they’re in the immediate vicinity. I re-applied it to the trees regularly to ensure the scent didn’t wear off.
The durability of the attractant itself isn’t really a factor, as it’s designed to be used and dissipated. Cleaning any residual product off my hands is easy with soap and water. I’ve had better results with other types of food-based deer attractants, but the Bone Collector gave deer different scents to consider.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard deer lures, the Bone Collector is… different. It doesn’t have the same immediate, widespread appeal as doe-in-rut scents, but it seems to trigger a more focused and prolonged interaction.
Breaking Down the Features of Bone Collector
Specifications
The Bone Collector comes with the following specifications, based on my observation and the limited information available:
- Product: Pre-Orbital Gland For Licking.
- Purpose: Deer attractant.
- Scent: Synthesized pre-orbital gland secretion.
- Application: Apply to trees, licking branches, or other surfaces.
- Price: $8.49.
These specifications matter because they speak to the product’s intended use. The pre-orbital gland is a scent gland used by deer for communication. Mimicking this scent could theoretically draw deer in for investigation, mimicking how they rub and scent mark trees themselves.
Performance & Functionality
The Bone Collector performs its intended function with moderate success. Deer do investigate the scent, but it doesn’t create a frenzied response.
Its strength lies in its novelty. Deer are constantly bombarded with the same scents. This offers something new and different.
The weakness is its limited range and potential lack of universal appeal. Not every deer will be drawn to it. The Bone Collector met my expectations for something different and has given me good data, but it didn’t vastly exceed what I expect from other attractants.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is negligible. It’s just the attractant in a generic container.
The product is user-friendly. Just open the container and apply the fluid to the desired location. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The product itself has no durability concerns as it is intended to be used and dissipate. The container is sturdy enough to withstand normal handling.
Maintenance is non-existent. Just make sure the lid is secure to prevent spillage.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included, and there are no customization options. The Bone Collector is a standalone product.
It could potentially be combined with other attractants or scent-masking agents, but it’s not designed to be used with any specific accessory. The product is ready to go upon purchase.
Pros and Cons of Bone Collector
Pros
- Novel Scent: Offers a different scent profile that may attract deer accustomed to typical attractants.
- Focused Attention: Deer tend to spend more time investigating the scent compared to other lures.
- Ease of Use: Simple and straightforward application.
- Affordable: At $8.49, it’s a low-risk experiment.
- The deer were curious.
Cons
- Limited Range: Doesn’t attract deer from long distances.
- Inconsistent Results: Not every deer will be drawn to the scent.
- Unknown Manufacturer.
Who Should Buy Bone Collector?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to try something new and potentially gain an edge in areas with pressured deer. It is also good for hunters who enjoy experimenting with different attractants.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who rely on proven attractants for consistent results, or those hunting in areas with low deer populations.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A trail camera to monitor the effectiveness of the attractant is highly recommended.
Conclusion on Bone Collector
The Bone Collector is a curious product. It’s a “Pre-Orbital Gland For Licking” that offers a unique scent profile for attracting deer.
Its value proposition is debatable. At $8.49, it’s not a significant investment, but its effectiveness is inconsistent.
I would cautiously recommend it to hunters willing to experiment and who understand that results may vary. It’s certainly not a miracle product, but it might just be the thing that piques the interest of that wary old buck. So go ahead, collect some bones (or at least, attract the deer that might leave some behind).