Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple Review

The Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple Made a Bold First Impression

The Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple, particularly the Crush Mix 5# variety, promises a simple yet effective way to attract deer to your hunting grounds or feeding areas. With a price tag of just $8.99, it seems like an affordable addition to any hunter’s arsenal. I was intrigued by the promise of an easy-to-use apple-flavored attractant, a departure from some of the more complex, and frankly, sometimes disgusting, concoctions I’ve encountered over the years.

For years, I’ve relied on a combination of natural food sources and supplemental feeding to manage deer populations on the properties I hunt. Some attractants are messy or require a lot of preparation. My hope was that the Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple would offer a clean, simple, and effective alternative.

Upon receiving the bag, the first thing that struck me was the strong, sweet apple scent. It smelled surprisingly natural, not artificial like some other attractants on the market. The mix itself appeared to be a coarse, granular blend. The packaging seemed adequate for protecting the product from moisture, which is always a concern in outdoor applications.

I’ve previously used corn-based attractants and mineral blocks. However, the corn attracted unwanted varmints, and the mineral blocks were slow to produce results. I chose the Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple hoping for a faster, more targeted approach.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The scent was appealing, the price was right, and the promise of a simple application process was definitely enticing. I was eager to see how well it would perform in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test took place on a property I manage in Central Texas. I chose a location near a known deer trail, close to a water source, creating an ideal setup. I distributed about half of the 5# bag in a cleared area, roughly a 10-foot diameter circle.

The weather was slightly damp, following a light rain. I figured the moisture would help intensify the apple scent, further attracting deer. Spreading the mix was simple; I just poured it directly from the bag.

Initially, there was no immediate activity. The first 24 hours passed with only a few small birds investigating the area. I was slightly concerned, having expected a quicker response based on the strong scent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a week, the results were significantly better. I noticed deer tracks and droppings around the area where I had spread the Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple. I even caught a few glimpses of deer feeding on the mix during early morning and late evening scouting trips.

Over the course of a month, the attractant gradually diminished, presumably consumed by deer and other wildlife. There were no significant signs of spoilage or mold, despite occasional rainfall. The Wildgame Innovations mix seemed to hold up well under normal weather conditions.

While the Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple did attract deer, it didn’t outperform other attractants I’ve used in the past, particularly those involving a combination of corn and molasses. However, the ease of use and clean application made it a more convenient option. It’s a decent attractant, but not a game-changer.

Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple

Specifications

• Weight: 5 pounds per bag. This is a manageable weight for carrying into the field, but might require multiple trips for larger areas.
• Flavor: Apple. The strong apple scent is designed to attract deer from a distance.
• Form: Crush Mix. The granular form allows for easy spreading and distribution.
• Ingredients: The specific ingredient list is not prominently displayed, which is a downside. However, the primary attractant seems to be a combination of grain products and apple flavoring.

These specifications are important because they dictate the product’s ease of use, effectiveness, and longevity in the field. The apple flavor is crucial for attracting deer, while the crush mix form simplifies application. The weight is a trade-off between portability and the amount of coverage provided.

Performance & Functionality

The Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple performs adequately as a deer attractant. Deer were drawn to the scent and consumed the mix, indicating that it is effective. However, the attraction rate wasn’t as immediate or intense as I’ve experienced with other attractants.

The main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. The weakness lies in its potentially limited effectiveness compared to more complex or potent attractants. It meets expectations as a basic attractant, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The crush mix is designed for easy spreading. The bag is adequate for carrying and storing the product.

The lack of a detailed ingredient list is a minor design flaw. It leaves the user somewhat in the dark about the exact composition.

Durability & Maintenance

The Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple appears to last for several weeks in the field under normal weather conditions. There’s minimal maintenance required.

However, it will need to be reapplied periodically to maintain its effectiveness. Excessive rain may reduce its longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

There are no specific accessories that come with the Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple. However, it could be used in conjunction with trail cameras to monitor deer activity.

There aren’t any customization options for this product. It is intended to be used as-is.

Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations WLD323 Apple