Quick Answer
Yes, specific lures can attract does in pre-rut, such as those mimicking food sources, like fruits and berries, and those with a strong doe-specific scent. Lures with a moderate scent intensity tend to work best during this time. Doe-attracting lures should be used in conjunction with other hunting strategies.
Choosing Doe-Specific Lures
When selecting a lure for pre-rut does, consider using scents that mimic natural food sources, such as apples, persimmons, or berries. Lures with a scent intensity of 2-3, measured on a scale of 1-5, tend to work best during this time. For example, the Buck Bomb Doe-in-Rut scent has a moderate intensity of 2.5 and features a strong doe pheromone. This scent is often effective during pre-rut, when does are beginning to move and interact with each other.
Effective Doe-Attracting Techniques
To maximize the effectiveness of doe-attracting lures, use them in conjunction with other hunting strategies, such as setting up near food sources or bedding areas. For example, place your stand near a known food plot or a trail that leads to a doe’s favorite feeding area. Use a doe-attracting lure in conjunction with a doe-in-rut scent on a buck lure, as this can help to draw does to the area and increase the likelihood of a buck being present. Additionally, use a moderate scent intensity on the ground, such as a few drops of doe-attracting scent on a cloth or sponge, to create a subtle scent trail that leads does to your stand.
Lure Placement and Timing
When placing a doe-attracting lure, consider the time of day and the wind direction. During pre-rut, does are often most active during the late morning and early afternoon, when the sun is high and warm. Place your lure in a location that receives moderate to heavy sunlight, as this can help to warm the scent and increase its effectiveness. Also, consider the wind direction, as a light breeze can help to carry the scent to does in the area.
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