Best Deer Attractant: What Actually Matters Before You Spend Your Money
- Lick Em Stick Em
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you've spent any time in a sporting goods store before deer season, you've probably noticed one thing. There are a lot of deer attractants on the shelf, and every one of them claims to be the best.
After a while, they all start sounding the same.
So, what actually makes a good deer attractant?
The truth is, there isn't a magic product that's going to make every mature buck on the property walk under your stand. If there were, every hunter would be using it. Experienced hunters consistently point out that success comes from combining good scouting, smart hunting strategy, and the right attractant rather than relying on a single product.
The hunters who consistently fill tags usually have one thing in common. They prepare long before opening day. They understand how deer use the property, pay attention to wind and pressure, use trail cameras to gather information, and stay consistent throughout the season.
A quality deer attractant is simply another tool that helps support that plan.
Don't Start With the Bag. Start With the Property.
Before buying any deer attractant, spend some time learning your hunting property.
Ask yourself:
Where are deer already traveling?
Where are they feeding?
Where are they bedding?
Where can I place a trail camera without disturbing the area?
Can I hunt this location with the right wind?
Those questions are far more important than the name on the bag.
Even the best attractant won't overcome poor location selection.
Timing Is Everything
One mistake many hunters make is waiting until the week before the season to start preparing.
By then, you're already behind.
The best hunting locations are often established weeks before opening day. That gives deer time to discover the area naturally while allowing you to monitor activity with trail cameras.
Some locations become active quickly.
Others take time.
Starting early lets the property tell you what's happening instead of forcing you to guess when opening morning arrives.
Location Can Make or Break Your Success
A productive attractant site isn't random.
Look for locations such as:
Well-used deer trails
Travel corridors between bedding and feeding areas
Funnel locations
Timber edges
Creek crossings
Areas with existing deer sign
If deer aren't already comfortable using an area, an attractant usually isn't enough to change their daily routine.
Let Trail Cameras Do the Talking
One of the best investments a hunter can make isn't another bag of attractant.
It's a trail camera.
Trail cameras remove the guessing.
Instead of wondering if deer are using your hunting spot, you'll know.
You'll learn:
When deer are moving
Which bucks are visiting
Daytime versus nighttime activity
Changes in movement throughout the season
Whether a hunting location is improving or declining
That information is worth far more than simply checking tracks every few weeks.
The Best Deer Attractant Fits Into a Plan
Think about every successful hunter you know.
Most of them don't rely on one product.
They rely on preparation.
A complete hunting strategy includes:
Scouting
Trail cameras
Wind direction
Low hunting pressure
Stand placement
Entry and exit routes
Patience
Consistency
A deer attractant works best when it's supporting those efforts, not replacing them.
What Should You Look For?
Every hunter has different preferences, but a quality deer attractant should be:
Easy to use
Consistent from bag to bag
Long lasting
Easy to maintain
Available when you need it
The goal isn't simply attracting deer.
The goal is creating a location that deer continue using throughout the season.
Common Mistakes Hunters Make
Over the years, we've seen the same mistakes repeated.
Waiting Too Long
Starting a new attractant site a few days before opening day rarely gives you enough time to learn what's happening.
Checking Cameras Too Often
Every visit leaves scent and creates disturbance.
Let the cameras gather information.
Ignoring the Wind
Even if deer love the location, poor access can educate them quickly.
Expecting Instant Results
Some locations become productive immediately.
Others need time.
Be patient.
Why We Created Lick Em Stick Em
Like most hunters, we spent years trying different products, different locations, and different strategies.
Some worked.
Some didn't.
Lick Em Stick Em was created because we wanted a dependable product that hunters could confidently use year after year as part of their preseason preparation.
It's made in Texas, easy to apply, and designed to help hunters establish and maintain attractant sites before and during the season.
We're proud of the product, but we're even more proud when hunters tell us they've made it part of their annual routine.
Where You Can Buy Lick Em Stick Em
Lick Em Stick Em is available at participating retailers, including:
You can also order directly from our website and have it shipped to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best deer attractant?
The best deer attractant is one that fits your hunting strategy and is used consistently in a productive location. No attractant replaces scouting, good access, and smart hunting decisions.
When should I put out deer attractant?
Many hunters establish attractant sites several weeks before the season to allow deer to become comfortable visiting the area.
Should I use trail cameras?
Absolutely. Trail cameras provide valuable information about deer movement, activity times, and the bucks using your property.
How often should I refresh my attractant site?
That depends on deer activity, weather, and the product you're using. Check your sites periodically and refresh them as needed while minimizing unnecessary disturbance.
Is one attractant enough?
No. A successful season usually comes from combining scouting, proper stand placement, trail cameras, low hunting pressure, and a quality attractant.
Final Thoughts
If you're searching for the best deer attractant, don't focus only on what's printed on the bag.
Focus on building a better hunting plan.
Scout your property.
Choose productive locations.
Start early.
Run trail cameras.
Stay patient.
Then use a quality attractant to support everything else you're doing.
That's the approach that gives you the best chance of having a successful season.
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