First Thoughts on the Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate
The Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate is marketed as a synthetic buck lure designed to attract deer throughout all hunting seasons. Wildlife Research Center claims their Super Charged Scent Reflex technology delivers a stronger and more consistent scent. As an experienced hunter, I’m always skeptical of such claims, having seen many lures fail to live up to the hype.
My quest for a reliable and versatile buck lure that works across all phases of the rut, and even outside of it, led me to this product. I was tired of juggling multiple scents and hoping one would finally trigger a response. I opened the bottle immediately upon receiving it, noting the slightly sweet, yet musky aroma.
The Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate is presented in a standard scent bottle. It felt similar in weight and size to other scent products I’ve used, but the scent itself seemed a bit more potent. I had been considering the Tink’s #69 Doe-In-Rut Buck Lure and the Code Blue Standing Estrous, but opted for Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate due to its claimed synthetic formulation and all-season applicability.
I was cautiously optimistic. If it works as advertised, it could be a game-changer; if it doesn’t, it’s another lure added to the pile of disappointments.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate during an early-season archery hunt in western Wisconsin. The weather was mild, around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I applied the lure to a scent wick hung about 20 yards from my stand and also made a mock scrape on the ground.
Within an hour, a young 8-point buck cautiously approached the area, circling downwind of the scent wick. While he didn’t display the aggressive behavior I’d hoped for, he definitely showed interest in the scent. I observed the buck interact with the scent location from afar, before moving out of the area after about ten minutes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate across different hunting locations and phases of the rut, I’ve observed mixed results. During the pre-rut, I noticed increased deer activity around the areas where I applied the scent. However, this seemed to be more curiosity than aggressive attraction.
The lure held up reasonably well in wet conditions, but the scent seemed to dissipate more quickly than in dry conditions. I reapplied the lure every 3-4 days, or after any significant rainfall. There have been no issues with durability, as it is just a liquid scent in a standard bottle.
Compared to other deer lures I’ve used, like natural urine-based scents, the Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate seems less effective during the peak rut. The synthetic scent perhaps lacks the complexity and authenticity of real estrous urine.
Breaking Down the Features of Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate
Specifications
- Synthetic Doe Estrus: The lure contains a synthetic version of doe estrus, aiming to mimic the scent of a receptive female deer. This is intended to attract bucks looking for a mate.
- Additional Attraction Qualities: Beyond the synthetic estrus, the lure includes other attractants designed to pique the interest of bucks. These other components are not specifically defined by the manufacturer.
- Super Charged Scent Reflex™: This Wildlife Research technology claims to deliver a stronger and more consistent scent release. The idea is to maintain the lure’s effectiveness over time.
- All Hunting Seasons: The lure is marketed as effective for use throughout all deer hunting seasons. This suggests it should work during pre-rut, rut, and post-rut periods.
These specifications are important because they suggest a versatile and long-lasting lure suitable for various hunting scenarios. The synthetic nature potentially reduces the risk of disease transmission compared to natural urine-based scents.
Performance & Functionality
The Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate performs adequately in attracting deer, but its effectiveness varies depending on the time of season and the individual deer. During the pre-rut, it can pique a buck’s curiosity and bring them into the area. During the peak rut, its effectiveness seems to diminish, as bucks are likely more responsive to natural estrous scents.
The scent is strong initially, but it tends to fade relatively quickly, requiring frequent reapplication. It meets expectations for a general attractant, but falls short of being the “ultimate” buck lure.
Design & Ergonomics
The lure comes in a standard plastic bottle with a screw-top lid. The design is functional, though not particularly innovative.
There is no learning curve. Simply apply the lure to scent wicks, mock scrapes, or directly to the ground.
Durability & Maintenance
The product itself is a liquid scent, so there’s no real concern about durability. The shelf life depends on proper storage, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Maintenance is minimal. Ensure the lid is tightly closed to prevent evaporation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Hunters can use it with scent wicks, scent bombs, or other scent dispersal devices.
There are no direct customization options for the lure itself. However, it can be combined with other scents, such as buck urine or territorial marking scents, to create a more complex scent profile.
Pros and Cons of Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate
Pros
- Effective attractant during the pre-rut.
- Synthetic formulation reduces disease transmission risk.
- Easy to use and apply.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some premium lures.
- Can be used in a variety of scent dispersal methods.
Cons
- Less effective during the peak rut compared to natural estrous scents.
- Scent dissipates relatively quickly, requiring frequent reapplication.
- The “Super Charged Scent Reflex™” claim feels overstated.
Who Should Buy Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate?
The Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate is perfect for hunters looking for an early-season or pre-rut attractant. It’s also suitable for hunters concerned about disease transmission from natural urine-based lures.
Hunters seeking a highly effective rut lure or those hunting in areas with high deer densities might want to consider alternatives. These hunters should consider natural estrous urine or a combination of lures.
A must-have accessory is a scent wick or scent bomb to effectively disperse the scent. Camouflage clothing and a reliable treestand or ground blind are also essential for successful hunting.
Conclusion on Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate
The Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate is a decent, all-season attractant with limitations, despite the marketing hype. At $10.49, it’s a reasonably priced option for hunters looking to add another tool to their arsenal.
I would recommend it as part of a layered scent strategy, particularly during the pre-rut. However, I wouldn’t rely on it as the sole attractant, especially during the peak rut.
Ultimately, the success of any lure depends on various factors, including deer density, hunting pressure, and weather conditions. While the Wildlife Research 43094 Ultimate isn’t a magic bullet, it can be a useful aid in attracting deer and improving your chances of success. Give it a try, but temper your expectations.