First Thoughts on the Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1
The Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 is a product designed to attract deer using a combination of sweet apple flavoring and essential minerals. Marketed by Evolved, this gel-like lick promises to be an irresistible treat for whitetails, drawing them into desired areas for scouting or hunting purposes. It claims to offer both an attractive scent and a palatable taste to keep deer coming back for more.
My introduction to deer attractants came years ago, dealing with inconsistent deer patterns on a lease in East Texas. Food plots were expensive and time-consuming, so I began experimenting with mineral licks. The promise of an easy-to-deploy, long-lasting attractant like the Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 immediately appealed to me.
Upon opening the container, the aroma of ripe apples was surprisingly potent, but not chemically overpowering. The gel-like consistency seemed ideal for adhering to logs or stumps, which was my intention. I was cautiously optimistic about its ability to hold up in varying weather conditions.
Several similar products exist on the market, like the Big & J Long Range Attractant, which relies on a powerful aroma but requires mixing, and the Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage, a granular attractant that can disperse quickly. I chose the Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 hoping its gel form would provide a more concentrated and longer-lasting effect at a price point that wouldn’t break the bank. My first impression was that it seemed promising, but the real test would be how the deer reacted.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 on a heavily wooded section of my property, near a frequently used deer trail. I applied it to a decaying log and a nearby tree stump, about knee-high, to give the deer easy access. The weather was mild and slightly damp, a typical fall day in the Midwest.
The application was simple, requiring just a gloved hand to scoop and spread the gel. Initially, there was no immediate activity, which is expected. Checking back 24 hours later, there were clear signs of deer activity: licks on the log and stump, as well as tracks leading to and from the site. The strong apple scent clearly worked.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of monitoring, the Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 held up surprisingly well. Even after a few rain showers, the gel remained adhered to the wood, although the intensity of the apple scent did diminish over time. I refreshed the application every two weeks to maintain its effectiveness.
There was no significant wear and tear, although the areas where deer were actively licking became visibly smoother. Compared to using mineral blocks, which often get buried or scattered, the Buck Jam proved to be a cleaner and more contained solution. My previous experience with liquid attractants resulted in rapid dissipation, so this was a clear improvement.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1
Specifications
- The Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 is a mineral lick designed to attract deer through scent and taste. The primary attractant is a ripe apple flavor intended to mimic a natural food source.
- The product is a gel-like substance, packaged in a one-gallon container. The gel consistency helps it adhere to surfaces and resist washing away in rain.
- It contains minerals, specifically a salt-based formulation, to provide deer with essential nutrients. This helps create a habit-forming pattern.
- The ingredients are designed as a food bait attractant, appealing to the daily need for food and energy. This contrasts with purely scent-based lures.
These specifications matter because they offer a balance between immediate attraction and long-term habituation. The apple scent provides the initial draw, while the minerals keep deer returning to the site.
Performance & Functionality
The Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 performs its job effectively by attracting deer to specific locations. Its combination of scent, taste, and minerals proves to be a potent attractant.
It excels at creating consistent deer patterns, which is crucial for both scouting and hunting.
The main strength is its ease of use and relatively long-lasting effectiveness. A potential weakness is the scent fading over time.
It largely meets expectations as a deer attractant, offering a simple and effective way to bring deer into a desired area.
Design & Ergonomics
The gel-like consistency is well-suited for application to various surfaces. The one-gallon container is a practical size for multiple applications, but can be a bit unwieldy.
The design focuses on ease of application, requiring no mixing or special tools. There is no learning curve; it’s simply scoop and spread.
Durability & Maintenance
The product lasts a reasonable amount of time before needing reapplication. The gel adheres well, but heavy rain can eventually dilute its effectiveness.
Maintenance involves periodic reapplication to maintain scent and mineral concentration. There are no repairs needed, as it’s a consumable product.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 doesn’t require any specific accessories for application. However, using gloves during application is recommended for hygiene and to avoid transferring human scent.
There are no official customization options, but combining it with trail cameras to monitor deer activity is a common practice. It is compatible with most standard trail cameras.
Pros and Cons of Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1
Pros
- Effective Attractant: Successfully draws deer into targeted areas. The ripe apple scent combined with minerals proves appealing.
- Easy to Use: The gel-like consistency allows for simple and quick application, requiring no mixing or preparation.
- Long-Lasting: Adheres well to surfaces and remains effective for a decent period, even after light rain.
- Salt-Based Mineral Lick: Provides essential minerals, encouraging repeat visits and establishing patterns.
- Cost-Effective: Offers good value for the money compared to more elaborate or shorter-lasting attractants.
Cons
- Scent Fades: The intensity of the apple scent diminishes over time, requiring periodic reapplication.
- Weather Dependent: Heavy rain can dilute the gel and reduce its effectiveness.
Who Should Buy Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to attract deer to specific areas for scouting or hunting, property owners wanting to monitor deer populations, and wildlife enthusiasts interested in observing deer behavior. The Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 benefits anyone seeking an easy and reliable deer attractant.
Who should skip this product? Those looking for an instant, one-time solution or those in areas with extremely heavy rainfall, where the gel’s effectiveness will be quickly diminished.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Trail cameras for monitoring deer activity and gloves for hygienic application.
Conclusion on Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1
The Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 is a solid and reliable deer attractant that lives up to its promises. Its blend of sweet apple scent and essential minerals creates a compelling draw for whitetails, making it a valuable tool for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The $7.49 price is certainly justified given its ease of use and relatively long-lasting effectiveness. It provides a cost-effective solution for attracting deer without the hassle of more complex or expensive alternatives.
I would personally recommend the Evolved Buck Jam Ripe Apple 1 to anyone looking for a simple and effective deer attractant. It’s a great way to bring deer into your area and establish consistent patterns. Give it a try and see the results for yourself!