Let’s Dive into Tinks Smokin Sticks
Tinks Smokin Sticks are a unique and innovative approach to deer attractants, offering a no-mess, long-lasting scent dispersal method. Made by Tinks, a trusted name in the hunting industry, these sticks promise to deliver up to two hours of continuous whitetail scent. I first encountered these while looking for a more convenient alternative to liquid attractants.
My biggest issue with traditional deer scents was the mess and potential for contamination. Spilled scent in my truck or on my gear could alert deer to my presence instead of attracting them. The promise of a clean, easily transportable, and consistently emitting scent source drew me to Tinks Smokin Sticks.
Unboxing revealed six individually wrapped sticks. They appeared well-constructed, resembling oversized incense sticks, with a noticeable, but not overpowering, doe urine scent. The build quality seemed good, and the packaging suggested a user-friendly experience.
Compared to liquid deer urine attractants, like Tinks #1 Doe-In-Rut Buck Lure, or scent wafers such as Wildlife Research Center Scent Wipes, Tinks Smokin Sticks stood out for their portability and mess-free application. I chose these hoping for a consistent scent release and less hassle in the field. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, wondering if the smoke would truly attract deer or spook them.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tinks Smokin Sticks to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested Tinks Smokin Sticks during the rut in a heavily wooded area in northern Wisconsin. I placed one stick approximately 30 yards from my stand, ensuring it was upwind. The stick ignited easily with a standard lighter and produced a steady stream of smoke carrying the doe urine scent.
The performance was surprisingly consistent, even in a light breeze. The smoke continued for nearly the advertised two hours. I noted no deer activity in the immediate vicinity during that initial use.
The ease of use was a major plus; no spills, no soaked wicks, just light and go. There were no immediate issues, but I did wonder if the smoke itself might be alarming to deer, despite the attractant scent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of using Tinks Smokin Sticks, I found them to be relatively reliable. While not a magic bullet, they did seem to hold deer in the area longer than when using no scent at all. Durability is not really an issue as they are single-use.
There were no real signs of wear and tear, obviously, as the sticks are consumed during use. Maintenance involves simply extinguishing the ember once the desired burn time is reached and disposing of the cooled ash. Compared to the constant monitoring and refreshing required with liquid scents, the Smokin Sticks were significantly less demanding.
In comparison to my previous experiences with scent drags, Tinks Smokin Sticks offered a far more controlled and contained scent dispersal method. The downside being that they are single use only and generate smoke, which could potentially spook wary deer.
Breaking Down the Features of Tinks Smokin Sticks
Specifications
- The manufacturer is Tinks, a well-known and respected brand in the hunting scent industry. This reputation provides a degree of confidence in the product’s quality.
- The scent is designed to attract whitetail deer, specifically formulated with doe urine. This targets bucks during the rut, appealing to their natural instincts.
- The quantity is six sticks per package. This provides multiple uses for a single purchase.
- The condition is new, as expected. Ensure the packaging is intact when purchasing to guarantee freshness of the scent.
Performance & Functionality
Tinks Smokin Sticks perform their primary job by releasing a continuous stream of scent, theoretically attracting deer. The smoke itself aids in dispersal and can visually signal the scent’s presence. Whether or not they attract more deer than other methods is debatable and heavily dependent on environmental factors and deer behavior.
The strength lies in the ease of use and consistent scent release. A potential weakness is the reliance on smoke, which could potentially deter cautious deer. The sticks largely meet expectations for convenience, but scent attractant results were variable.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tinks Smokin Sticks design is simple and functional. The sticks are easy to light and handle. The weight is negligible, making them easy to carry in a hunting pack.
The design is user-friendly with no real learning curve. Simply light the end and let it smoke.
Durability & Maintenance
As single-use items, durability isn’t a major consideration. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only the disposal of the ash after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included with Tinks Smokin Sticks. There are no customization options. The sticks are designed for one specific purpose: scent dispersal.
Pros and Cons of Tinks Smokin Sticks
Pros
- Extremely easy to use: Simply light the stick and place it in the desired location.
- Mess-free application: Eliminates the risk of spills and contamination associated with liquid scents.
- Long-lasting scent dispersal: Provides up to two hours of continuous scent release.
- Portable and convenient: Lightweight and easy to carry in a hunting pack.
- Visually appealing smoke plume: The smoke helps disperse the scent and may attract deer from a distance.
Cons
- The smoke itself could potentially spook wary deer, counteracting the scent’s attractant properties.
- Single use can make it costly for season-long use, more expensive per use than liquid attractants.
Who Should Buy Tinks Smokin Sticks?
Tinks Smokin Sticks are perfect for hunters looking for a convenient and mess-free scent dispersal method. They particularly benefit those hunting in areas with light winds where smoke can aid in scent distribution. These are ideal for hunters who value simplicity and ease of use over potentially more effective but messier alternatives.
Hunters on a tight budget or those concerned about potentially alarming deer with smoke might want to skip this product. If you require maximum control over scent placement or prefer long-range scent projection, liquid attractants and scent drags may be more suitable. A must-have modification, depending on terrain, is a small metal stand to prevent the stick from extinguishing if placed directly on damp ground.
Conclusion on Tinks Smokin Sticks
Tinks Smokin Sticks offer a unique and practical solution for deer attractant dispersal. While not a guaranteed game-changer, they provide a convenient and mess-free alternative to traditional liquid scents. The price, at $16.66 for six sticks, is reasonable considering the ease of use and consistent scent release.
I would personally recommend Tinks Smokin Sticks to hunters seeking a user-friendly option, particularly for shorter hunts or when minimal gear is desired. Give them a try and see if they bring more bucks into your hunting area.