Let’s Talk About Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal
Deer hunting is a game of strategy and scent. For years, I’ve relied on natural deer urine, but recent concerns about CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) have made me rethink my approach. This led me to the Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal, a promising alternative for attracting bucks without the risk.
I was looking for a CWD-free scent attractant that could mimic the potent aroma of a mature buck, especially during the rut. The Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal’s claim of a realistic scent, delivered in a convenient spray bottle, caught my eye. Upon unboxing, the bottle felt sturdy, and the pump sprayer seemed reliable.
I considered other synthetic scents like Wildlife Research Center’s Scent Killer and Tink’s #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Lure, but chose the Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal due to its specific focus on mimicking a buck’s tarsal gland scent and the assurance that it’s free from any biological material from CWD-susceptible cervids. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the scent, while not identical to real buck urine, had a strong, musky aroma that seemed promising. The Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal looked set to possibly change my hunting game.
Real-World Testing: Putting Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was during the pre-rut in a heavily wooded area known for mature bucks. I applied the Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal to several licking branches and scrapes around my stand. I also sprayed a small amount on a drag rag, creating a scent trail leading towards my position.
The conditions were damp and cool, perfect for scent dispersion. It was easy to apply using the pump sprayer, and the scent seemed to linger in the air. To my surprise, within a few hours, a decent 8-point buck came in, cautiously circling the area where I had applied the scent. I felt a surge of adrenaline and satisfaction after he was tagged and bagged.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal throughout the rut, I’ve been impressed with its performance. The scent has held up well in various weather conditions, including light rain and frost. There are no visible signs of degradation in the scent itself.
The pump sprayer continues to function flawlessly, dispensing a consistent amount of scent with each pump. Compared to my previous experiences with natural urine-based scents, the Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal seems to be more consistent and less prone to degradation. It certainly outperforms the natural options, given the potential for CWD contamination. The Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal looks like it will be my new go-to.
Breaking Down the Features of Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal
Specifications
The Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal is a synthetic scent attractant designed to mimic the natural scent of a mature buck’s tarsal gland. This potent realistic scent is crucial for attracting dominant bucks during the rut.
It comes in a convenient pump spray bottle for easy and controlled application. The pump spray ensures minimal waste and allows for precise targeting of scent locations.
The product is explicitly formulated without deer urine or any biological material from any CWD susceptible cervid. This CWD-free formula is a major selling point, providing peace of mind to hunters concerned about disease transmission.
Performance & Functionality
The Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal performs admirably in attracting bucks, particularly during the pre-rut and rut phases. Its realistic scent profile effectively triggers the curiosity and territorial instincts of bucks. It does what it needs to do and it does it well.
The primary strength lies in its safety and ease of use, offering a worry-free alternative to natural urine attractants. A potential weakness is the synthetic nature of the scent, which might not be as effective in all situations compared to fresh, natural scents. It meets my expectations as a reliable and ethically sound attractant.
Design & Ergonomics
The pump spray bottle is practical and durable. The bottle is easily carried in a hunting pack or vest pocket without leaking. The design is user-friendly.
The spray nozzle provides a consistent and targeted application, minimizing waste and maximizing scent dispersal.
Durability & Maintenance
The scent itself appears to be stable and long-lasting. The pump sprayer seems robust and unlikely to fail under normal use. Maintenance is minimal, only requiring occasional cleaning of the spray nozzle if it becomes clogged.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come with the Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal. However, it is highly compatible with various scent dispersal methods, such as drag rags, scent wicks, and mock scrapes.
The synthetic nature of the scent allows for mixing and matching with other synthetic attractants, creating customized scent profiles to suit specific hunting conditions. Some hunters may choose to pair it with a synthetic doe-in-rut scent to enhance its attractiveness.
Pros and Cons of Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal
Pros
- CWD-Free Formula: Eliminates the risk of spreading Chronic Wasting Disease, a growing concern among hunters.
- Realistic Scent: Effectively mimics the scent of a mature buck’s tarsal gland, attracting dominant bucks during the rut.
- Easy to Use: The pump spray bottle allows for convenient and controlled application.
- Long-Lasting: The scent is stable and remains effective for extended periods.
- Ethical Choice: Provides a sustainable and responsible alternative to natural urine-based attractants.
Cons
- The synthetic scent might not be as potent or nuanced as fresh, natural scents in certain situations.
- Some bucks may be more responsive to natural scents, depending on their individual preferences and regional variations.
Who Should Buy Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal?
The Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal is perfect for deer hunters, especially those concerned about CWD transmission. It is also great for hunters who prefer an ethical and sustainable alternative to natural urine attractants. Hunters who hunt in areas with high deer densities or experience low buck activity should also consider this product.
Hunters who are solely reliant on the most potent, natural scents, regardless of the potential risks, may want to skip this product. Hunters who exclusively hunt in areas with low CWD risk may still prefer natural attractants, but this is increasingly becoming less of an option. A must-have accessory is a good quality drag rag or scent wick to maximize scent dispersal.
Conclusion on Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal
The Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal is a solid and reliable synthetic scent attractant that provides peace of mind in a world increasingly concerned about CWD. The price of $15.99 is justified given its performance, ease of use, and ethical advantages.
I would personally recommend it to any deer hunter looking for a CWD-free alternative to natural urine attractants. If you are looking to attract bucks safely and responsibly, give the Buck Baits Synthetic Buck with Tarsal a try.