The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze Made a Bold First Impression
In the world of deer hunting, scent lures are as common as camouflage. But Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze, from the well-known Tink’s, promises something more: a potent dose of natural doe estrous urine, collected directly from live whitetail does during their estrous cycle. At a budget-friendly price of $7.49, it seemed like a low-risk investment for a potentially high-reward hunting season.
My quest for the perfect buck lure stems from years of frustrating near-misses. Bucks seemed to skirt the edges of my stands, always just out of range, like they knew something I didn’t. I needed something to pull them in, something irresistible.
The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze arrives in a simple, no-frills plastic squeeze bottle. The cap is designed to seal, allegedly keeping the lure fresh, a crucial factor given the volatile nature of scent attractants. Initially, the bottle felt surprisingly lightweight.
Having used other scent lures like Code Blue’s Standing Estrous and Wildlife Research Center’s Scent Killer Gold (which is more of a scent eliminator), I was drawn to Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze because of its “100% natural” claim and its focused purpose: attracting bucks specifically during the pre-rut and rut. Code Blue seemed less potent, and Wildlife Research Center aims for odor elimination. I wanted something that actively draws in bucks.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The scent, while pungent (as expected), didn’t have an overly artificial smell. It smelled, well, like deer. This, combined with the budget-friendly price and the reputation of Tink’s, piqued my interest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze to the Test
First Use Experience
My first trial run with the Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze occurred during the pre-rut phase in mid-October in the oak and hickory forests of central Pennsylvania. I applied it liberally to scent wicks placed around my stand, creating a mock scrape and also dribbling a scent trail leading up to the stand location. The weather was crisp, with a slight drizzle.
Surprisingly, within two hours of setting up, a decent 8-point buck appeared, nose to the ground, following my scent trail directly. It was clear he was intrigued by something, eventually giving me a clean shot. The buck’s behavior strongly suggested the lure played a significant role in attracting him.
I did notice that the squeeze bottle made even distribution a little tricky; a spray nozzle might provide better dispersal. The damp conditions seemed to amplify the scent, though, which was a plus.
Extended Use & Reliability
After using the Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze consistently over the next two months (the duration of the rut in my area), I observed mixed results. On days with little to no wind, the lure seemed less effective, possibly due to the scent not dispersing adequately. In heavy rain, the scent washed away quickly, requiring frequent reapplication.
There were no significant signs of wear and tear on the bottle itself. However, the cap didn’t always provide a completely airtight seal. I did notice a slight weakening of the scent’s potency over time, especially in warmer weather, despite my best efforts to store it properly.
Previously, I had relied heavily on rattling antlers and visual decoys. The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze offered a completely different approach. I believe this lure’s targeted scent attraction outperformed my previous strategies on days with light wind and during the peak of the rut when does were actively in estrous.
Breaking Down the Features of Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze
Specifications
- Type: 100% natural doe estrous urine.
- Source: Collected from live whitetail does during their estrous cycle.
- Application: Squeeze bottle for direct application.
- Volume: Varies (typically a few ounces, though this information is not readily available).
- Target Period: Pre-rut and rut.
These specifications are critical because they dictate the lure’s effectiveness. The natural source is intended to mimic the real scent of a doe in heat, theoretically making it more appealing to bucks. The squeeze bottle allows for controlled application, but as mentioned earlier, it has drawbacks.
Performance & Functionality
The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze performs best when used strategically during the pre-rut and rut, particularly in areas with good deer traffic. Its primary strength is its ability to attract bucks by simulating the presence of a receptive doe. The main weakness is its sensitivity to weather conditions and the lack of a consistently airtight seal on the bottle.
The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze met my expectations in terms of attracting deer, but it didn’t exceed them. On some hunts, it worked wonders; on others, it seemed to have no effect.
Design & Ergonomics
The plastic squeeze bottle is functional but basic. Its lightweight nature is an advantage for carrying in the field. However, the lack of a spray nozzle or a more precise applicator makes distribution somewhat uneven.
The squeeze bottle is easy to use, requiring no special tools or preparation. There is a slight learning curve in determining the optimal amount to apply and the best method of distribution, but that is quickly overcome with experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze bottle itself is reasonably durable and can withstand normal handling in the field. The scent, however, will degrade over time. Proper storage (cool, dark place) is essential to prolong its effectiveness.
The bottle is easy to clean with soap and water. However, it’s crucial to ensure it’s completely dry before refilling (if you choose to do so, though Tink’s would likely advise against refilling).
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it’s commonly used in conjunction with scent wicks, drag rags, and mock scrapes.
It’s compatible with most scent dispensers. Consider transferring the Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze to a refillable scent dripper for more consistent and prolonged scent release.
Pros and Cons of Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze
Pros
- 100% natural doe estrous urine – likely more appealing to bucks.
- Affordable price point – low-risk investment for potential reward.
- Easy to use – simple squeeze bottle application.
- Effective during pre-rut and rut – draws bucks in search of does.
- Lightweight and portable – easy to carry in the field.
Cons
- Squeeze bottle doesn’t provide even distribution of scent.
- Scent potency can degrade over time, especially in warmer weather.
- Effectiveness is highly dependent on weather conditions.
- Cap doesn’t always provide a completely airtight seal.
Who Should Buy Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze?
The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze is perfect for hunters targeting whitetail deer during the pre-rut and rut. It’s particularly beneficial for those hunting in areas with high deer populations or where bucks are actively searching for does.
Hunters looking for a “set it and forget it” solution should skip this product. This lure requires strategic application and monitoring to achieve optimal results. Those who prefer a spray application might want to consider other scent lures with that feature.
A must-have accessory would be high-quality scent wicks to maximize scent dispersal. Alternatively, consider a refillable scent dripper for longer-lasting scent release.
Conclusion on Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze
The Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze is a budget-friendly scent lure that can be an effective tool for attracting bucks during the pre-rut and rut. While its effectiveness is heavily influenced by weather conditions and proper application, its natural doe estrous scent can provide a significant advantage.
At $7.49, the price is certainly justified. It is a low-risk investment with the potential for a high reward.
I would personally recommend the Tinks #69 Plastic Squeeze to any deer hunter looking to improve their chances of success during the rut. It’s not a magic bullet, but when used strategically, it can definitely help bring that trophy buck within shooting range. Give it a try; you might be surprised at what comes sniffing around.