The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet Made a Bold First Impression
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet promises to be an irresistible attractant for deer, elk, and moose, packed into a convenient 4 lb block. Marketed by Evolved, this product aims to provide essential mineral nutrients with a taste that ungulates crave. As an experienced outdoorsman, I’ve used countless attractants, and I’m always on the lookout for products that deliver on their promises without breaking the bank.
Living in an area with a healthy deer population, but also a lot of hunting pressure, I was looking for an attractant to help concentrate deer activity near my hunting stands. Many attractants are either messy powders or liquids that require mixing, so a pre-packaged mineral block seemed like a convenient solution. The added calcium and phosphorus were also appealing, as I want to provide supplemental nutrition for the deer herd.
Upon receiving the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of the packaging. The 4 lb block felt solid and well-formed. The “Acorn Sweet” scent was noticeable, but not overpowering, which is a good sign – deer have a strong sense of smell, and too much artificial scent can be a deterrent.
Compared to other mineral blocks I’ve used, such as those from Trophy Rock or Redmond Hunt, the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is significantly smaller and less expensive. While Trophy Rock offers a natural mineral lick, and Redmond Hunt provides a broader spectrum of minerals, the Evolved Buck Licker Sweet focuses on targeted attraction through flavor and key nutrients. I chose this product for its convenience, affordability, and the promise of a sweet acorn flavor that deer would find hard to resist.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The size and price point were attractive, and the scent was promising. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could truly draw deer into my hunting area.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet in a wooded area adjacent to a food plot, a known deer crossing. I placed the block about 20 yards from my treestand, hoping to draw deer within shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, typical for early fall.
The block was incredibly easy to deploy. I simply unwrapped it and placed it on a stump. Within a week, I started noticing deer tracks and signs of licking around the block.
Initially, I was pleased with the level of interest, but I noticed the block was eroding faster than expected, likely due to rain and the deer’s aggressive licking. This resulted in a muddy mess around the stump after a light shower.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of use, the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet was completely gone. The deer definitely liked it, but the fast erosion rate and the resulting mud pit were significant drawbacks. I had to replenish the site with another block much sooner than anticipated.
The durability of the block was disappointing. It softened quickly in humid conditions and crumbled easily under pressure from deer hooves. While the deer were attracted to it, the mess it created was problematic, attracting insects and potentially spreading diseases.
Compared to previous experiences with mineral rocks that lasted for several months, the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet underperformed in terms of longevity. While the initial attraction was strong, the lack of durability made it a less cost-effective solution in the long run. The short lifespan was disappointing.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet
Specifications
- Weight: Each Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet block weighs 4 lbs. This is a manageable size for easy transport and placement.
- Flavor: Acorn Sweet. This appealing flavor is designed to attract deer, elk, and moose.
- Minerals: The block is pre-packaged with an extra punch of calcium and phosphorus. These beneficial mineral nutrients are important for antler growth and overall health.
- Packaging: Individual block packaging. This is convenient for storage and transport.
These specifications indicate a product designed for ease of use and targeted nutritional benefits. The acorn flavor is a common attractant, and the added calcium and phosphorus are beneficial for deer health, particularly during antler growth season. The 4lb block size is convenient, but as my testing showed, it can also lead to rapid consumption.
Performance & Functionality
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet performs well as an initial attractant. Deer readily consume it, drawn in by the sweet acorn flavor. However, the rapid erosion rate and the resulting mess are significant drawbacks.
Its primary strength lies in its immediate attraction. Its weaknesses are durability and messiness. Overall, it meets expectations in terms of attracting deer, but falls short in terms of longevity and ease of maintenance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet features a simple, block-like design. The materials used are a compressed mineral and flavoring mixture. While lightweight and easy to handle, the block lacks any structural integrity.
There is no learning curve associated with using this product – just unwrap and place. The ease of deployment is a definite advantage.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the rapid erosion rate, the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is not a long-lasting product. Expect to replenish it frequently, especially in areas with high deer density or wet weather.
Maintenance is minimal, but the resulting mud pit can be unsightly. There is no repair necessary since it is a consumable product.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available, as it’s a pre-packaged product. It’s a standalone attractant designed to be used as is. It can be combined with trail cameras to monitor deer activity.
Pros and Cons of Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet
Pros
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet acorn flavor is highly attractive to deer, elk, and moose.
- Easy to Use: Simple unwrapping and placement make it a convenient attractant.
- Affordable: At $4.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for attracting deer.
- Supplemental Minerals: Provides an extra punch of calcium and phosphorus for beneficial mineral nutrients.
- Concentrated Attraction: Effectively draws deer into targeted areas, potentially improving hunting opportunities.
Cons
- Rapid Erosion: The block dissolves quickly, especially in wet conditions, leading to frequent replenishment.
- Messy: The erosion creates a muddy, unsightly mess around the placement area.
Who Should Buy Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet?
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is perfect for hunters on a budget who need a quick and easy attractant to scout areas or supplement existing food sources for a short period. It’s also useful for landowners looking to get quick trail camera results.
This product should be skipped by those seeking a long-term mineral solution or those who prefer attractants that don’t create a mess. Hunters in consistently wet climates should also look for more durable options.
A must-have accessory would be a trail camera to monitor deer activity around the block, allowing for targeted hunting strategies. Consider placing the block on a slightly elevated platform to mitigate some of the mess.
Conclusion on Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet
The Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is a mixed bag. Its potent attraction and low price point are undeniable advantages. However, its rapid erosion and the resulting mess are significant drawbacks.
At $4.99, the price is certainly justified for a short-term attractant. However, the long-term cost can add up due to the need for frequent replenishment.
I would cautiously recommend this product to hunters on a tight budget who need a quick attractant for scouting or short-term supplementation. Be prepared for a muddy mess and the need to replace the block frequently. For a longer-lasting and cleaner option, consider investing in a more durable mineral rock or block. Ultimately, the Evolved 14098 Buck Licker Sweet is a trade-off between cost and convenience, and its effectiveness depends largely on the specific environment and hunting goals. If you need a quick fix, give it a try!