First Thoughts on the Coyote Urine™
Coyote Urine™. It’s a product that evokes images of rugged landscapes, cunning predators, and the primal instincts of the hunt. For over a decade, I’ve navigated the world of outdoor and tactical gear, testing everything from high-tech thermal scopes to the most basic survival tools. But, I’ll admit, reviewing a bottle of Coyote Urine™ is definitely a new experience. My expertise lies in gear designed to help hunters, not necessarily become part of the ecosystem.
What sparked my interest in this particular product? I manage a 50-acre property that’s increasingly frequented by deer. Unfortunately, they’ve become a bit too comfortable. I was looking for a non-lethal way to deter them from my vegetable garden, and the concept of using predator scent seemed like a logical, albeit slightly unconventional, approach. I wanted to see if the Coyote Urine™ could create a “stay away” zone.
Upon receiving the 4oz bottle, the first thing I noticed was, thankfully, the packaging. It was well-sealed, preventing any… unwanted spills during shipping. The liquid itself has a strong, earthy odor, exactly what I’d expect, though perhaps a bit more potent. The build quality is… well, it’s a plastic bottle. Let’s just say the value is in the contents.
I considered a few other options, including synthetic predator scents and motion-activated sprinklers. The synthetic scents seemed less authentic, and the sprinklers felt like overkill. Coyote Urine™ offered a more natural and subtle, yet hopefully effective, solution. At $6.49, the price point was low enough to justify an experiment.
My initial impression? Cautious optimism. I wasn’t exactly excited, but I was definitely intrigued. This isn’t your typical piece of kit, but if it works as intended, it could be a valuable addition to any outdoorsman’s arsenal for masking scent and potentially drawing in prey.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coyote Urine™ to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Coyote Urine™ took place around my aforementioned vegetable garden. I saturated several cotton balls with the urine and placed them around the perimeter, approximately 10 feet apart. The weather was mild and dry, a typical early autumn evening.
Application was simple, just a matter of soaking the cotton balls and strategically placing them. No complicated setup required. Initially, the odor was quite noticeable, even to me, but it dissipated quickly after about an hour. I was hoping the deer would notice it more than I did!
After the initial application, I checked the garden every morning for signs of deer activity. For the first two nights, I noticed a significant decrease in browsing. However, by the third night, the deer seemed less bothered by the scent. I suspect they either got used to it or the rain we had reduced the effectiveness.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial trial, I continued using the Coyote Urine™ for a month, reapplying it every 3-4 days, especially after rain. The bottle held up well, with no leaks or damage. The odor remained consistent throughout the testing period.
The durability of the product itself is limited by its volatile nature. It evaporates and degrades over time, requiring frequent reapplication. Maintenance is nonexistent, unless you consider refilling the cotton balls maintenance.
Compared to other deer deterrents I’ve tried (fencing, noise makers), Coyote Urine™ offers a less intrusive and more natural approach. However, its effectiveness is also less consistent. It worked initially, but the deer eventually acclimated to the scent.
Breaking Down the Features of Coyote Urine™
Specifications
- Volume: 4 fluid ounces (118 ml). This is enough for several applications, depending on the area you’re trying to cover.
- Odor: Strong, natural coyote urine scent. This scent is intended to mask human scent and trigger competitive behavior in prey animals or instill fear to scare them away.
- Packaging: 523 4oz plastic bottle. Simple, functional, and easy to store.
- Intended Use: Predator caller masking scent. It is used to mask human scent. Also triggers competitive behavior.
These specifications are crucial for understanding the Coyote Urine’s™ intended purpose and limitations. The volume determines how long the product will last, while the odor strength dictates its effectiveness in masking scents or deterring animals.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of Coyote Urine™ is to mask human scent and potentially attract or deter animals, depending on the target species and the application. In my testing, it had limited success as a deer deterrent. It seemed to work initially, but its effectiveness waned over time.
A strength of the Coyote Urine™ is its natural scent, which is arguably more effective than synthetic alternatives. A weakness is its short-lived effectiveness and the need for frequent reapplication. It’s also not a foolproof solution, as animals can adapt to the scent.
The Coyote Urine™ met some of my expectations. It did mask human scent reasonably well. However, its performance as a long-term deer deterrent was disappointing.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coyote Urine™ comes in a simple, no-frills plastic bottle. There is nothing aesthetically pleasing about it. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and apply, although it does not prevent spills.
The product is incredibly user-friendly. There’s no learning curve. Simply open the bottle and apply as needed.
Durability & Maintenance
The bottle itself is durable enough to withstand normal handling. However, the Coyote Urine™ itself is not durable. It degrades and evaporates quickly, requiring frequent reapplication. There’s no maintenance required, aside from replenishing the scent as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no included accessories or customization options for Coyote Urine™. The product is what it is. However, you can use various application methods (cotton balls, scent dispensers) to suit your specific needs. It can also be combined with other attractants or repellents for enhanced effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of Coyote Urine™
Pros
- Masks human scent effectively, potentially aiding in hunting.
- Natural scent is likely more effective than synthetic alternatives.
- Easy to use and apply.
- Inexpensive and readily available.
- May trigger curiosity or competitive behavior in certain animals.
Cons
- Effectiveness as a deterrent is short-lived, requiring frequent reapplication.
- Animals can become accustomed to the scent over time.
- The odor can be unpleasant to humans, especially in concentrated form.
Who Should Buy Coyote Urine™?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to mask their scent in the field, trappers seeking to lure predators, and individuals seeking a natural way to deter certain nuisance animals temporarily.
Who should skip this product? Those seeking a long-term, foolproof solution for pest control, or those with a strong aversion to strong odors.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Cotton balls or scent wicks for easy application, rubber gloves to avoid getting the scent on your hands, and a well-ventilated area for storage.
Conclusion on Coyote Urine™
Coyote Urine™ is a niche product with specific applications and limitations. As a scent masker for hunting, it may offer some benefit, providing a natural and potentially more effective alternative to synthetic scents. However, as a long-term pest deterrent, its effectiveness is questionable, requiring frequent reapplication and the possibility of animals becoming accustomed to the scent.
At $6.49, the price is certainly justified for experimentation or specific short-term needs. However, don’t expect it to be a magic bullet for all your wildlife woes.
Would I personally recommend it? Yes, with reservations. If you’re a hunter looking for a natural scent masker, it’s worth a try. But if you’re seeking a reliable, long-term solution for pest control, you’re better off exploring other options.
Give Coyote Urine™ a shot, but be prepared to adjust your expectations and application strategies accordingly. It’s a tool in the toolbox, not a guaranteed solution.