First Impressions of Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks
The Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks promise an easy, no-mess way to deploy one of the most trusted scents in deer hunting. For years, Tink’s #69 Doe-In-Rut has been a go-to for hunters looking to lure in that dominant buck during the rut. This new delivery system, the Buck Puck, piqued my interest because traditional liquid scents can be messy, and scent wicks often dry out too quickly.
As a seasoned hunter, I’m always on the lookout for innovative gear that can provide an edge in the field. I had been searching for a more convenient and long-lasting scent application method, especially for those long sits in the stand during peak rut. I’ve used scent drags, scent bombs, and various wick systems, but all seemed to have limitations in terms of mess or longevity. The Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks offered a potential solution to these problems.
The packaging is straightforward, with three individually wrapped pucks. Upon opening the first one, I immediately noticed the scent – unmistakably Tink’s #69. The puck itself felt solid and saturated, and the integrated hanging loop seemed sturdy enough for field use. Compared to liquid scents that require careful pouring and wick placement, the Buck Puck is instantly ready to deploy.
I’ve used Code Blue and Wildlife Research Center’s Special Golden Estrus in the past, and while effective, they are still liquids that require constant monitoring. The Buck Pucks promised less maintenance. My first impression was definitely positive; I was excited to see if these pucks could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks during the peak of the rut in late October in the hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. I hung one puck approximately 20 yards from my treestand, about 6 feet off the ground on a low-hanging branch. The weather was cool and damp, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a light drizzle.
The initial scent dispersal was impressive, easily detectable even from my stand. Over the course of the morning, I observed several does pass through the area, and one young buck showed considerable interest in the scent location, circling downwind multiple times. No mature bucks came within shooting range during this particular hunt, but the activity around the puck was encouraging. There were no issues at all with deployment, use, or scent “throw”.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks proved to be reasonably durable. While the scent intensity diminished slightly over time, the pucks remained intact and continued to emit a noticeable odor. I did notice that in warmer weather (around 60 degrees Fahrenheit), the scent dissipated faster.
The pucks are relatively low maintenance. Simply hang them and check periodically to ensure they haven’t been disturbed by animals. Compared to constantly re-applying liquid scents, the Buck Pucks are a significant improvement in convenience. They don’t outperform a perfectly placed scent drag with fresh estrus, but they are far easier to manage, especially for longer hunts.
Breaking Down the Features of Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks
Specifications
- The Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks are pre-loaded with Tink’s #69 Synthetic Doe-in-Rut formula. This synthetic formulation is designed to mimic the natural scent of a doe in estrus, attracting bucks during the breeding season.
- Each puck features a looped handle for easy hanging. This allows for quick and convenient placement in the field, whether on a branch, fencepost, or other suitable location.
- The powerful attractant is designed to last up to 1 week. This provides sustained scent dispersal, reducing the need for frequent re-application.
- The product is best used during the Pre-Rut, Rut & Post-Rut. This covers the entire breeding season, maximizing the potential for attracting bucks.
- The scent has been RT-QuIC tested for CWD. This ensures that the synthetic scent is free from Chronic Wasting Disease prions, promoting ethical hunting practices.
Performance & Functionality
The Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks perform their primary function – attracting deer – reasonably well. They are easy to deploy and provide consistent scent dispersal. The main weakness is that scent fades over time, particularly in warmer conditions.
The pucks generally meet expectations for a scent attractant in this price range. They are a convenient and relatively effective option for hunters.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The puck is lightweight and easy to handle. The integrated hanging loop is a smart feature.
There is essentially no learning curve; even a novice hunter can easily use these. The design caters to field practicality over anything else.
Durability & Maintenance
The pucks themselves are reasonably durable, able to withstand normal weather conditions. They require minimal maintenance beyond occasional checks. While the scent will fade over time, the puck’s physical integrity holds up well.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks do not have any specific accessories. There are no customization options available. The entire premise is ease-of-use, so the lack of accessories keeps it simple.
They are compatible with scent-containment systems if you want to control scent dispersal even further. You can also use them alongside trail cameras to monitor deer activity at the scent location.
Pros and Cons of Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks
Pros
- Easy to Use: The Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks are incredibly simple to deploy, making them perfect for hunters of all skill levels.
- No-Mess Design: Eliminates the hassle and potential spills associated with liquid scents.
- Long-Lasting: Provides up to a week of continuous scent dispersal, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
- Effective Attractant: Uses the trusted Tink’s #69 formula, known for attracting bucks during the rut.
- CWD Tested: Ensures ethical hunting practices by being free from Chronic Wasting Disease prions.
Cons
- Scent Fades Over Time: Scent intensity diminishes after a few days, particularly in warmer weather.
- Limited Range: Effective only within a relatively small radius.
Who Should Buy Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks?
These are perfect for casual to intermediate deer hunters seeking a convenient and no-mess scent application method. They are ideal for those who hunt from treestands or ground blinds and want to create an attractive scent location. Hunters looking for a supplemental scent attractant during the rut will also benefit from these.
These aren’t the best choice for experienced hunters who prefer using fresh, natural deer urine. Hunters seeking a scent attractant with an extremely long-range dispersal should also skip this product.
A trail camera to monitor activity at the puck location would be a useful accessory. Also consider purchasing a scent-proof container to store unused pucks.
Conclusion on Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks
The Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks offer a convenient and relatively effective way to attract deer during the rut. They are not a magic bullet, but they are a valuable tool in any hunter’s arsenal. At $7.99 for a 3-pack, the price is certainly justified for the ease of use and reduced mess.
I would recommend these to any hunter looking for a simple and reliable scent attractant. They are a great option for beginners and experienced hunters alike. Grab a pack of Tinks #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Pucks and give yourself an edge this hunting season!