Doe Estrus Scents

[MTCOMMER]

So, who uses doe Urine when they are hunting, any of you had success.  What kind are you using, Special Golden, Tinks, etc?
I ask, because I have used Tink69 the last 2 years and have taken two big bucks - I am not sure if its a coincidence, or if it really works.     I havent hung wicks from the branches, but dripped a little on the ground and put some on my shoes and walked around.
Is it really bringing in the bucks, or are they more curious of the scent, whats your take?

[FireRanger]

I think it's tuff to say either way. I have read quite a bit on the subject and what I figure is that any scent can alter the effects of deer movement either in your favor or against you. I've used doe urine in the past, both Tinks and Special Golden and it has 'worked' for me. I have also read that if you are concentrating on big bucks that it is better to have buck scent around if your going after the bruisers. I did the big buck thing this year and didn't see one, however the guy behind (my brother in law, about 150 yds) shot two bucks opening morning. It is widely believed that buck scent deters does from coming in, but if you are hunting during the rut, I would think you want the does coming around since the bucks would be on them. It's a shooting match I'd say. I think as long as you aren't alarming them with a scent, you may be ahead of the game. As far as drawing them in....I think it's putting yourself in the right position at the right time with minimal risk of alarm. I guess we'll never know.

[kenhuntin]

I have seen enough times that mostly bucks but some does as well stop and scent check the exact spots I leave golden estrus. From bringing them out of thick cover into pausing in a shooting lane to stopping and smelling the ground for ten minutes and I even saw a small buck invert his head completely upside down to lick a balsam branch I squirted. The stuff works. But then I have a buddy that shot a buck three years ago sniffing the base of the tree he relieved himself by and he never comes in contact with any purchased deer scents.

[deadeye]

I think FireRanger nailed it.  At least those are the same experiences I have had over the past few years.  I'ts a bit of a crap shoot.  This year I saw a number of does run from the scent.  Some didn't but it sure put them on alert.  Most bucks totally ignored the scent.  Note: Last year I arrowed a nice 10 point that didn't want to leave the area because he thought there was a hot doe around somewhere. 
Conclusion.. If you are bow hunting and want to shoot a doe, don't use it.  (not so much an issue with gun).  If you are buck hunting go ahead it won't hurt anything and may help.

[Mayfly]

We used to have a great member here by the name of Don Stenseth ( he passed away last year  ). Anyways, he was a wildlife photographer and took some of the best pictures that I had ever seen. One of his tricks was using Whitcombs doe in heat scent. He showed me multiple pics of nice bucks sniffing his scent rag and posing for great pictures while doing it! I'm assuming it works 

[HD]

I use drip bottles over active scrapes through out the hunting season. I have seen deer come in and check it on a regular bases. And I would agree that a doe that is not ready to breed will avoid the area, basically thinking that there is a buck near by.

Just my 2 pennies.........

[kenhuntin]

 To add to the mix a few years back I was bow hunting the day before firearms opener near a scrape. I walked in with a boot scent pad soaked with estrus and doused the scrape with the same. Then made a 90 off the well used deer trail to my climber. After about a half hour of daylight a doe walked up from the opposite direction I came in. she went to the scrape and sniffed it and then with her nose to the ground the whole way turned and followed the exact path I came in to my stand around a downed tree to the base of the one I was in. I knew the gig would be up soon as she approached the bowcase I left at the base of the tree I was in.  When she saw the case she stopped and looked puzzled then stretched out her neck and smelled the case, jumped back and was outta there. She was about a 2 1/2 year old and was a true roundhead.  Was this a confused doe or an antlerless buck I do not know. Somethin new every time in the deer woods. I agree that it does not work on does most of the time.

[MTCOMMER]

Well, my experience it this.  The 10 pointer I shot this year was during a strong wind and a slight on and off rain/drizzle.  I used doe urine on my boot and walked around and made some drips but didnt expect to see anything that night, because of the weather.
The wind was blowing away from where the buck came from (however it was in the woods), but I would like to think that the buck could smell the estrus, but with the wind I think its doubtful.  But he looked pretty horned up and it was early, October 23rd, so maybe he was looking for some early action 
Also, I put out the trail cam last night after not seeing a buck the last couple of days, wouldnt you know, after I dripped some br :scratch:anches in doe urine, a buck was the first deer around last night and stayed around for a while (granted there was corn there too).  But there again, I would like to think it worked, I couldnt tell if it was eating corn, or smelling some pee!