Let’s Dive into HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord
The HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord is a simple yet potentially effective tool designed to aid hunters in scent dispersion and game tracking. Manufactured by HME Products, this product combines scent wicks with a drag cord, offering a convenient method for creating scent trails and attracting deer. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I was initially skeptical. Could something so basic truly make a difference in the field?
I’ve always been searching for ways to improve my hunting success rate, exploring different scent attractants and techniques. I was specifically looking for an affordable and easy-to-use system for creating scent trails without making a mess. The Big Dipper / Drag Cord seemed to offer a streamlined solution, promising mess-free scent application and convenient deployment.
My initial impression upon receiving the product was that it was surprisingly simple. The three scent wicks felt durable enough, and the 48″ drag cord seemed adequately long. The highly reflective vinyl attachment was a nice touch, hinting at practicality during low-light conditions. This product was chosen over others for its convenience and affordability, aiming for a simple solution rather than complex scent dispersal systems.
I felt a mix of cautious optimism and curiosity. Could this inexpensive device genuinely enhance my hunting experience, or would it be another piece of gear relegated to the bottom of my pack? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord during an early-season whitetail hunt in the dense forests of northern Wisconsin. The weather was cool and damp, typical for the area. I saturated the scent wicks with a doe estrus scent and dragged them along a path leading towards my stand, creating a scent trail designed to lure in bucks. The product was very easy to use; the “big dipper” design ensured the scent application was mess-free and contained.
The ease of use was a definite plus. No scent spilled, and the cord was long enough to drag behind me comfortably as I walked. After several hours in the stand, I did have a young buck approach the area, seemingly intrigued by the scent trail. It’s impossible to say definitively if the Big Dipper / Drag Cord was the sole reason, but it certainly seemed to contribute.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during various hunts, the HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord has held up surprisingly well. The scent wicks show minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being dragged through brush and mud. Cleaning is relatively easy; simply rinsing the wicks with water and allowing them to air dry is sufficient. It’s proven to be more effective, and certainly less messy, than directly applying scent to vegetation.
The cord itself remains intact, and the reflective vinyl attachment has proven useful in locating the end of the trail in the dim light of dawn and dusk. It doesn’t outperform a dedicated electronic scent dispersal system, but for its simplicity and price point, it’s a worthwhile addition to my hunting toolkit.
Breaking Down the Features of HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord
Specifications
The HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord features three “big dipper” scent wicks. The drag cord is 48″ in length. A highly reflective vinyl attachment aids in retrieval. It is explicitly designed for deer hunting.
These specifications translate to a convenient and easily deployable scent dispersal system. The wick design prevents messy scent application, the cord provides ample drag length, and the reflective attachment improves visibility in low light. Being tailored towards deer means selecting scents appropriate for deer is recommended.
Performance & Functionality
The HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord performs its intended function adequately. It successfully disperses scent along a predetermined path. Its primary strength lies in its ease of use and mess-free application. While it may not be as potent as more sophisticated scent dispersal methods, its simplicity and affordability make it a valuable tool.
It meets expectations as a basic scent trail creation device. Its functionality is reliable and consistent.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is simple but functional. The materials used are adequate for the task. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry.
It’s remarkably user-friendly with no learning curve. The “Big Dipper design” makes scent application very clean.
Durability & Maintenance
The HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord appears to be reasonably durable. With proper care, it should last for multiple hunting seasons. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. The wicks can be replaced if needed, further extending the product’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord itself doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the scent wicks and drag cord. The primary customization option is the type of scent used. It’s compatible with virtually any commercially available scent attractant designed for deer hunting. However, there are no direct modifications you can make to the dipper or cord itself.
Pros and Cons of HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord
Pros
- Affordable and readily accessible. The price point makes it an easy entry into using scents.
- Mess-free scent application thanks to the “Big Dipper” design. Prevents wasted scent and messy hands.
- Easy to use and deploy. Requires minimal effort or experience.
- Durable scent wicks. Withstand repeated use in various conditions.
- The reflective vinyl attachment aids in low-light retrieval. A surprisingly useful feature for early morning or late evening hunts.
Cons
- Scent dispersal is limited to the immediate drag path. Lacks the range of electronic scent dispersers.
- The 48″ cord may be too short for some users or terrains. Longer cords may be desired for different applications.
Who Should Buy HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord?
The HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord is perfect for budget-conscious hunters, beginners experimenting with scent attractants, and those seeking a simple and mess-free scent dispersal method. It is suitable for whitetail deer hunters, particularly those hunting in wooded areas with limited visibility.
This product is probably not for hunters looking for a high-tech, long-range scent dispersal solution. Those who prefer more sophisticated methods or hunt in open terrain might find it inadequate. A must-have accessory is a good quality scent attractant, specifically tailored for the targeted game species (deer).
Conclusion on HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord
The HME Products Big Dipper / Drag Cord is a surprisingly effective tool for its simplicity and low price. While it may not replace more advanced scent dispersal systems, it provides a convenient and mess-free way to create scent trails. The price is certainly justified by the product’s usefulness and ease of use.
I would recommend it to beginner hunters and anyone looking for an affordable way to improve their scent game. Add this simple tool to your arsenal and see if it improves your hunt.