Best Deer Attractants: 12 Different Bait Options To Lure Bucks
The right deer attractant is a key to the success of almost any deer hunting trip. There are many big buck attractants available on the market, as well as homemade deer attractants. They are specifically designed to encourage bucks out into the open where you can hunt them.
With the right attractant, you can set yourself up in a good position to wait for them to come to you. The best deer attractants are highly efficient and make the hunt easier. However, with so many options available, it helps to compare what is available to see which one will work best for you.
Many of these attractants have strong odors to attract the deer, while others offer the flavors deer can’t resist. Likewise, some attractants are available throughout the year, while others are more effective during certain times during the hunting season. Importantly, they design some of these attractants with the long game in mind.
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How Do Attractants Work?
Attractants help nourish the buck, so it can develop a healthier body. Over time, the right attractant can produce deer that is much stronger for hunting and it will also produce better meat. Many of the attractants can work for luring out bucks during hunting, but it is often best to wait when using some of these products, so you get better results out of whatever animal you want to hunt.
Also, they make some products to coat other foods. By coating standard foods, the meal is more attractive and increases your chances of finding that prize trophy buck. Many attractants are perfect for applying near a trail cam, too. Hunters often add attractants near their cameras to see where deer go in a certain area. A trail cam can spot any consistencies that may show up.
Many people use trail cams to take pictures of deer and to also determine where to locate them. If you aren’t sure which deer attractant to use, fear not. Here is a helpful list of the most popular deer attractants you can use for deer and bucks.
How Should I Use Deer Attractant?
The first thing you need to remember is that deer don’t tend to wander places that they don’t typically frequent. This means that you’ll still need to scout deer appropriately to ensure you are finding the best possible spot to map out your hunt. You’ll want to utilize the attractant in an area where the deer already wander, and use it to draw them into the open.
Scouting location makes all the difference in a successful hunt. If you scout an area that’s been hunted heavily by other people, you’ll run the risk that they will pick up on the scent of other hunters. This can drive you crazy if you’ve found a great spot, but the deer do not wander around because they’ve become sensitive to the scent of other hunters, and stick to ground cover during the daylight.
A deer attractant isn’t a magic pill either. If you are out hunting in bad weather, don’t expect it to lure a trophy buck into the open during a rain storm or really windy conditions. Deer tend to hunker down in these conditions, making them less than ideal for a hunt.
You also shouldn’t count on deer attractant to make up for a bad shot with a bow and arrow or a deer hunting rifle. Shot placement is key, and just because you’ve lured a deer out into the open, shot placement is all that matters once you’ve set your sights on the perfect Buck.
Best Deer Attractants to Buy in 2020
1. Evolved Deer Co-Cain
DETAILS
- A premium formulation of Deer Cane with more minerals and flavor…
- Once placed on the bare ground, Black Magic is enriched with…
- 4.5lb bag of mixture
The first of the attractants to check out is Deer Co-Cain from Evolved. It includes phosphorous and calcium, two nutrients that naturally attract deer. It does not require any mixing on your part. By using this product, you will attract big bucks into wide open areas. It is also appropriate for year-round use.
What’s more, the smell will remain strong for lengthy periods, attracting deer from long distances. If you use it properly, this product will significantly increase your chances of spotting a prize buck. The scent emits a “woody” aroma and it also has a nice taste that does not irritate the deer’s senses.
Deer Co-Cain adds enticing flavors that are comfortable and easy for deer to eat without being rough on the taste buds. This deer attractant is a worthwhile product that keeps deer comfortable without making them agitated in any way.
2. Big & J HEADRUSH™ Mineral Deer Attractant
DETAILS
- Bioavailable trace minerals are easier for a deer’s body to absorb
- Contains zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt
- High in calcium for bone and antler growth
- Plenty of salt to keep deer coming back for more
- BB2 aroma brings deer in from long distances
Here’s a mineral deer attractant that most deer will find it difficult to resist. It has everything a deer needs to stay healthy and grow in size year-round, according to Big& J experts. And since it contains bioavailable minerals, it is easier for a deer’s body to absorb it.
What impressed us the most is that the Big&J Headrush was designed to attract wildlife across long ranges and that it really works. According to dozen testimonials from happy customers, deer of all sizes just don’t seem to get enough of it. So, if you want an attractant that you can’t go wrong with, give Big&J Headrush a shot. The product is made in U.S.A.
3. Whitetail Inst. Apple Obsession
DETAILS
- Extremely attractive to deer, especially in the early fall and…
- Fortified with essential minerals and vitamins to boost energy…
- Contains 24% protection
- Extremely easy to use
- Can be poured directly on the ground
Apples are among the best types of fruit to feed to whitetail deer. Apple Obsession is one of the best buck attractants to offer as it includes fresh apple flavors and mouthwatering aromas. Apple Obsession contains more protein and offers various vitamins and minerals, too. It also keeps deer occupied in any area you want the beast to appear.
Apple Obsession works best during the fall and winter seasons. These are times when apples start to bloom and fall off the trees. The apple aroma will be more appealing and noticeable at this time of year. Remember, deer or buck may not respond well to this attractant during the spring or summer seasons.
4. Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage
DETAILS
- Acorn Rage was strategically developed to be both attractive to…
- This concentrated formula is ready to use right out of the bag…
- Place directly on ground, in trough feeders or free-choice…
- Year round nutritional deer supplement for attracting and…
Acorns are quite popular with deer. So, Acorn Rage is the best deer lure to use in woody areas where acorns grow naturally. This attractant also encourages deer antlers to grow. It supports a healthy digestive system, too.
This makes it easier for the deer to develop a healthier body. Acorn Rage makes deer a better target for hunting that will also provide better quality meat. In addition, the high-protein and high-fat contents of Acorn Rage stimulate the appetites of deer and bucks.
Acorn Rage is suitable for you to use throughout the entire year. However, it works best in the fall or winter when acorns naturally fall from the trees.
5. Ani-Logics Braggin Rights Attractant
DETAILS
- Scientifically formulated to maximize antler and body size
- Powerful grain-based attractant with a scent and taste deer love
- Ani-Shield TX4 ensures the attractant stays fresh
The Ani-Logics Braggin Rights Attractant is a field-tested deer attractant in three irrestible flavors (apple, accorn, and chestnut) that was especially formulated to help bucks’ antler and body size growth.
It is enriched with Zinc, Magnesium, Copper, and Selenium, so that your guests have everything they need to stay healthy and active. A little goes a long way of this “deer magnet,” as some buyers like to call it, and the results are guaranteed.
What’s more, the product employs the company’s proprietary Ani-Shield TX4® technology, which helps keep the attractant fresh for longer while working specifically with white-tails’ natural diet for peak performance.
6. C’mere Deer 3-Day Harvest
DETAILS
- Attracts Deer from Long Distances
- Proven 3 Day Action Super Charged with F4 Tested Under Real…
- Proven 3 Day Action especially Late in the Season when Der are…
Another one of the top options you are likely to come across in almost every deer attractant review is C’Mere Deer. They have tested this attractant to work well for luring in deer during the late part of the hunting season. It works when deer are more likely forage for food. C’Mere Deer has a long-lasting scent that will last for days at a time.
The attractant will persist in the wild for about three days on average. This should give you enough time to plan an area for seeking out that trophy buck. The scent works well when you are on a long hunting trip. It also gives you that extra bit of time to get deer to come out to an area or to see them with ease. C’Mere Deer attractant significantly increases your chances of finding that dream buck.
7. Primos Donkey Juice Molasses
DETAILS
- Sweet Acorn and molasses flavoring attract all Deer
- Great source for critical minerals
- High fat/high energy formula
- Instant mineral site
- Can be poured over stumps, feed or directly on the ground
- Sweet acorn and molasses flavoring to attract all deer
Some of the best products for how to attract deer come in liquid form. Primos Donkey Juice attractant features a liquid formula that includes molasses and acorn flavors. This attractant contains more fat and calories to give bucks more energy.
Donkey Juice works well all year long. It can also target many types of deer, including the whitetail deer. Donkey Juice is also flexible because you can apply to many types of surfaces. You can pour this deer attractant over a tree stump or other wooden surface. You can also add Donkey Juice directly to the ground over a wide space, as well.
8. Buck Bomb Sugar Beet Smash
DETAILS
- Draw in hungry post-rut bucks
- Sugar Beet Smash features NVERTR 180-degree ball valve
- Can do short bursts or lock down the valve to empty the can
- Can travel in excess of a ¼ mile on a 3mph breeze
- It will stick to anything it contacts, leaving a scent trail
One of the top scents to use as an attractant is Buck Bomb Sugar Beet Smash. It works more as a scent than a nutritional product. Sugar Beet Smash produces a coating that creates a fine sugar beet flavor over anything it touches. Deer will be more interested in eating anything with this sugary solution. Sugar Beet Smash coating works with a natural sugar beet flavor.
This type of deer attractant provides the buck with a slight bit of energy, allowing it to keep on hunting for food and stay active. Beet Smash coating can also travel along a slight breeze. It can travel up to about a quarter of a mile on a three-mile-per-hour breeze. Therefore, it produces a strong trail that does not extend too far yet creates a comfortable scent deer cannot resist.
9. Buck Bomb Persimmon Dream
DETAILS
- Comes in a 1 gallon jug
- Extremely sweet and potent Liquid attractant
- Persimmon flavored
- Great for use with trail cameras and any time you want to bring…
- Made in the USA
The next choice from Buck Bomb is another liquid solution they call Persimmon Dream. It is an incredibly sweet and sugary scent that deer simply adore. The scent lasts for about one to two days on average. The scent does not cause any harm to deer. It also blends in perfectly with the local surroundings, creating a comfortable space for bucks to head to naturally.
The scent is seriously potent and will not brush away quickly, retaining its strength for a few days. The scent also relaxes deer, helping them feel at ease in any space. You should use Wicked Lick Persimmon Dream over a few days. Also, be sure to spread it out over the maximum amount of space to ensure the best possible results.
10. Rough Ridge Rack Salt Lick
DETAILS
- MOISTURE ACTIVATED – Natural effervescence reactivates the…
- LESS SALT – 26 percent salt which means more room for the…
- PROVEN RESULTS – Rack Snack has been used by enthusiasts for over…
- ULTIMATE MINERAL SUPPLEMENT – Perfect formula for the ultimate…
- BIGGER. BETTER. RACKS. Click the orange button now and Add To…
Although the name of this Rough Ridge product uses the term, salt lick, the attractant does not contain as much of the mineral as you may expect. Rack Snack contains a salt-like body that is alluring to deer. But what makes it important is that they have formulated it to contain less salt. Less salt means deer and buck will have an easier time taking in the minerals in this product.
This is a moisture-activated deer attractant, as well. The salt lick activates the minerals as it gets wet. This allows the deer to get the minerals they need. Although Snack Salt Lick works well throughout much of the year, does particularly well during the spring and summer months when bucks are looking for water to keep cool.
The reduced salt content also ensures the attractant will not be tough on the deer’s tongue. The deer will keep coming back to an area where you apply this attractant. It might help to add the same material to a specific area a few times before going after a deer to keep it from becoming suspicious about a certain area.
Although it does have a salt lick name, the product is not necessarily something that has a salt texture or feeling to it. This is a flexible, useful product that will cater for almost any feeding and attractant need.
11. Evolved Habitat Raisin Cane
DETAILS
- Raisin Cane is a carefully blended mix of roasted soy meal, real…
- High protein & fat content super attractant
- Raisin Cane’s proprietary, nutrient packed mix contains 100% real…
This next attractant features several natural foods Evolved Habitat has formulated to be more attractive to deer. They have included soy meal, raisins, rice bran and other healthy grains in Raisin Cane. The high-protein and fat content of Raisin Cane provide deer with added energy. The real raisins are especially good because they are easy for deer to eat.
The scents are natural and distinct in tone, making them more appealing to approaching deer. The visual appearance of the product might look standard, but Evolved Habitat has produced this with a UV-enhanced body. Raisin Cane uses brighter-colored features they have carefully applied to the formula. This makes it easier for the deer to spot it in the forest.
Deer will go after Raisin Cane first as it is the most attractive item to eat in a given area. The coloring will not negatively influence the quality of the product. The texture has a powdery look, but it has enough solid material to make it easy for a buck to see. Small raisin bits stand out from the other features inside this deer attractant. These bits of fruit increase the attraction of deer to this product, too.
12. Evolved Habits Buck Grub
DETAILS
- Deer can’t resist
- Toasted almond aroma
- Packed with protein and minerals
- Optimal levels of fat
- Incredible energy source
The last of the attractants to check out is another from Evolved Habits. Buck Grub contains toasted almond cuts and whole grains with a stunning aroma. The healthy grain scent adds a comfortable texture that deer and buck will go after. The added protein and strong minerals in the product make this attractant something the buck will want to consume quickly.
Evolved Habits has carefully measured the fat content, too. The fats are plentiful but they do not overwhelm the protein. This gives you more control over how well you attract deer to an area. The comfortable design of the product is easy for you to add anywhere. It comes with a soft powder formula.
Although Evolved Habits Buck Grub attractant will spread out on any surface, it works best on rocky areas it could be easier for the buck to see it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scent attracts deer the most?
Doe urine in the liquid form is probably the most common attractant scent used by deer hunters, and there’s a good reason for that. Deer, just like dogs and many other animals, are attracted by urine left by others of their own species. It calms their nerves and piques their curiosity. Deer will inevitably come over to check out the new deer that has arrived in the area, and that is when you can get your shot. And the best part is that it works in basically any season.
What’s the best homemade deer attractant?
If you’re running low on cash or you simply aren’t willing to fork out more money for extra hunting equipment, then a good idea would be to make your own lure at home. While there are many options that you could make at home, we find the simplest one to be based on peanuts. Deer, especially whitetail, love peanuts. Take a jar of peanut butter (any brand, it really doesn’t matter), cut the bottom of the jar, and screw the lid to a tree within shooting distance of your stand, about 3 feet off the ground.
Should I pee in a deer scrape?
Yes, that can work as a legit tactic, but the key thing is moderation. After creating a mock scrape, make sure the ground is completely void of all leaves and debris, and then pee directly into the soil for maybe 15 seconds. If you do this, the resulting ammonia reaction is similar to that of deer urine, so it’s quite possible to lure deer your way by doing so. The urination tactic is effective in prompting bucks to approach the scrapes, smell the ground, and feverishly re-work them. Be warned, however, that this tactic doesn’t work all the time.
A Few Final Words
All these are just some of the best deer attractants currently available on the U.S. market. So, they are worth looking into before your next outing. Make sure you plan your deer hunting trip carefully with these attractants in mind. You can apply any of these products to any area you want to hunt deer. They are also easy to use and travel well.
Keep tabs on how you go about the overall hunting process when using these products. Make sure to store and handle anything you use in a careful, cautious manner. When using deer attractants, spread them out evenly and use according to the package directions. Also, take care to store attractant products secure place, so they stay fresh longer.
Using deer attractants properly is vital to your overall hunting success. Apply these products carefully to attract the deer you want to find. Before you know it, you may well come face to face with that trophy buck.
Daniel C. Warren gradually morphed from a weekend warrior into a full-time outdoorsman and outdoor blogger. From picking up trash in the woods or sleeping under an open sky to hiking until his plantar fasciitis says no more or having a field day fishing with like minded fellow countrymen, there’s little he doesn’t wholeheartedly enjoy while out in the wild. While some might call him a true-born nature freak, he likes to see himself as a “born-again” outdoor enthusiast. Daniel just can’t get enough of nature, and we’re grateful whenever he decides to share his latest experiences with us.