ProXpedition Cow Elk Review

The ProXpedition Cow Elk Made a Bold First Impression

The ProXpedition Cow Elk pheromone kit promises to enhance your elk hunting experience by attracting cow elk. Marketed by ProXpedition, this kit contains two 2 oz bottles of activator and aims to exploit the elk’s natural mating instincts. I’ve spent years tracking elk across diverse terrains, from the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest to the rugged mountains of Colorado. My experience has taught me the value of every advantage, making me eager to see if this relatively inexpensive scent lure could deliver.

Years of mixed results with other attractants pushed me towards a scent lure focused on mimicking natural cow elk pheromones. Other attractants I used in the past were too strong or just ineffective overall. The ProXpedition Cow Elk kit stood out due to its targeted approach and reasonable price of $14.99. This seemed like a low-risk investment to potentially improve my hunting success.

Upon receiving the ProXpedition Cow Elk kit, the packaging was simple and functional. The two bottles, each containing 2 oz of activator, felt lightweight but secure. There was no noticeable offensive odor upon initial inspection. Compared to other scent attractants I’ve used, like Wildlife Research Center’s Scent Killer Gold and Tink’s #69 Doe-P, the ProXpedition Cow Elk presented itself as a more targeted and less intrusive option.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price point was certainly attractive, and the promise of a pheromone-based attractant intrigued me. I was eager to test its effectiveness in the field. I hoped it would prove to be a valuable tool.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProXpedition Cow Elk to the Test

First Use Experience

My first use of the ProXpedition Cow Elk was during the early archery season in the high-country of Montana. I selected a well-traveled game trail near a known elk wallow, hoping to capitalize on the existing elk activity. I applied a small amount of the activator to several strategically placed scent wicks and vegetation around my stand, being careful not to over saturate the area. The weather was cool and damp, typical for that time of year.

Initially, I didn’t notice any immediate change in elk behavior. However, after about two hours, a small group of cows and calves cautiously approached the area. They seemed curious and lingered slightly longer than usual, sniffing the air. While no bulls were present during this encounter, the cows’ increased interest gave me a glimmer of hope.

There were no glaring issues, although quantifying the precise impact of the scent proved difficult. Separating the product influence from standard elk behavior created a slight challenge. Despite this, I continued to use the product throughout the season to gather further data.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the ProXpedition Cow Elk during various hunts, I observed a mixed bag of results. Some days, elk seemed completely indifferent to the scent, while on others, I noticed increased curiosity and attentiveness. The durability of the scent seemed to last for approximately 3-4 hours, requiring reapplication for longer hunts. There were no signs of leakage or product degradation from the bottles.

The scent appeared to hold up well in both dry and slightly damp conditions, but heavy rain seemed to diminish its effectiveness quickly. Cleaning my gear after use was straightforward. No lingering odor remained. While I didn’t witness a dramatic surge in elk activity directly attributable to the ProXpedition Cow Elk, I also didn’t experience any negative effects.

Compared to some of the more aggressive attractants I’ve used in the past, this felt more subtle and natural. This approach could be preferable for hunters seeking to influence behavior without spooking game. The scent seems to produce a slight effect, rather than a dramatic one.

Breaking Down the Features of ProXpedition Cow Elk

Specifications

  • This product is a pheromone kit designed to attract cow elk during hunting season. It consists of two 2 oz bottles of activator solution.
  • The ProXpedition Cow Elk kit is manufactured by ProXpedition, a company focused on hunting scents and attractants.
  • The activator is designed to mimic the natural pheromones of a cow elk in estrus. This is intended to attract other cow elk and potentially entice bulls during the rut.
  • The MSRP is $14.99, making it one of the more affordable scent attractants on the market.
  • The product is designed for application to scent wicks or surrounding vegetation. It aims to create an appealing scent trail.

These specifications are important because they highlight the core function of the product: to attract elk using scent. The pheromone-based approach differentiates it from cover scents or food-based lures. The low price point makes it accessible to hunters of all budgets.

Performance & Functionality

The ProXpedition Cow Elk functions as a scent attractant, aiming to pique the interest of elk, particularly cows. In my experience, it produced subtle but noticeable changes in elk behavior at times. These changes include increased curiosity and a slight extension of time elk spent in the vicinity of the scent. However, it’s important to note that its effectiveness appeared to be heavily influenced by environmental factors such as weather and the elk’s natural breeding cycle.

The key strength of this product is its affordability and ease of use. A weakness lies in its somewhat inconsistent performance and the difficulty in definitively attributing observed behavior solely to the attractant. The ProXpedition Cow Elk met my expectations as a low-cost, low-risk experiment, but fell short of delivering consistently dramatic results.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProXpedition Cow Elk is packaged in simple, no-frills plastic bottles. The bottles are lightweight and easily fit into a hunting pack or vest. The applicator is a standard screw-top, which is functional but not particularly sophisticated. The scent itself is relatively mild, which I appreciate.

There isn’t a significant learning curve associated with the product. The simple application process involves applying a small amount of the liquid to scent wicks or vegetation.

Durability & Maintenance

The bottles are constructed from durable plastic that held up well during my testing. No leaks or damage occurred, even when carried in rugged terrain. The scent itself lasted for several hours under optimal conditions, requiring occasional reapplication.

Maintaining the ProXpedition Cow Elk kit is straightforward. Storing the bottles in a cool, dry place when not in use is recommended. No special cleaning or maintenance is necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProXpedition Cow Elk kit does not come with any additional accessories. It’s designed to be used as-is. There are no customization options available.

Hunters might consider using scent wicks or scent dispensers to enhance the dispersal of the attractant. Many different wicks and dispensers are available from various brands.

Pros and Cons of ProXpedition Cow Elk

Pros

  • Affordable price point makes it accessible to all hunters.
  • Easy to use; application is simple and straightforward.
  • Relatively mild scent is less likely to spook game compared to stronger attractants.
  • May pique the curiosity of elk and encourage them to linger in the area.
  • Durable packaging; bottles held up well during testing.

Cons

  • Inconsistent performance; effectiveness varied depending on environmental factors and elk behavior.
  • Difficult to definitively attribute observed behavior solely to the attractant.
  • Scent dissipates relatively quickly, requiring frequent reapplication.


Who Should Buy ProXpedition Cow Elk?

The ProXpedition Cow Elk is perfect for budget-conscious elk hunters looking for a low-risk scent attractant to supplement their hunting strategy. It is best suited for hunters who understand that scent attractants are just one tool in a broader elk hunting toolkit. This would also benefit those willing to experiment and observe elk behavior closely.

Hunters seeking immediate and dramatic results from a scent attractant should skip this product. Those relying solely on scent to draw in elk will likely be disappointed. The use of other techniques along with this scent lure is best.

A must-have accessory would be a pack of high-quality scent wicks to maximize scent dispersal. It is recommended to carry a small spray bottle for convenient reapplication in the field.

Conclusion on ProXpedition Cow Elk

The ProXpedition Cow Elk pheromone kit offers a potentially useful, albeit subtle, tool for elk hunters at an attractive price point. It’s not a magic bullet, but it may provide a slight edge by piquing the curiosity of elk and encouraging them to linger in the area. Its performance is inconsistent, and results may vary based on weather conditions and the elk’s natural breeding cycle.

The price of $14.99 is justified, as it allows hunters to experiment with scent attractants without significant financial investment. It serves as a decent addition to a broader hunting strategy.

I would cautiously recommend it, especially for beginner elk hunters or those on a tight budget. Understand its limitations and manage expectations accordingly. Take a chance on the ProXpedition Cow Elk; it might just be the subtle edge you need to fill your tag this season!


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