Vanilla Extract?

simonkenton · October 29, 2008, 03:33 PM

Is someone pulling my leg, or is vanilla extract really a good deer lure?

SKULLANDCROSSBONES65 · October 29, 2008, 04:57 PM

G'day, sounds like something you might use to mask other scent with. It might also be better than splashing Bambi **** over yourself.

hogdogs · October 29, 2008, 05:03 PM

I wouldn't dispute it as many things out of the realm seem to work. Diesel and strawberry jello both attract hog so who is to say vanilla won't attract deer.
Brent

wpcexpert · October 29, 2008, 05:25 PM

I've used Vanilla extcact on many occasions. I've neved seen a deer come from great distances to find it, but I've had deer stay in the area plenty long enough for me to get a shot. If they are comming into my area already, they will sometimes hang out to try and find the scent.

You know I take that back. I poured an entire bottle on a log one morning and a cowhorn came straight in and B-lined for the log and started licking and gnawing. After a few licks, he started having breathing problems and killed over dead. Strangest thing.

But to answer your question directly, Yes it does work.

Another one I've had good luck with is Sure Kill Acorn Scent. Many a doe have been lured right in and reduced to possession.

fisherman66 · October 29, 2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

I poured an entire bottle on a log one morning and a cowhorn came straight in and B-lined for the log and started licking and gnawing. After a few licks, he started having breathing problems and killed over dead. Strangest thing.

same thing happened to my first wife.

The Terminator · October 29, 2008, 06:12 PM

Vanilla extract is my favorite deer lure. It has worked well for me. I got the tip from an old man when I was a teenager. That, and peanut butter smeared on leaves will attract them. It won't attract them for miles around, but it does work. It is especially good for when the rut is not in, or near, or is past. Does and bucks alike will come to it.

The only bear that I ever killed, a black bear, in 1987, was coming after it I think. No wives tale with vanilla extract.

Best - Ted

Jager78 · October 29, 2008, 08:26 PM

My first experience using Vanilla was very positive.
Heard about it from a experienced Deer Hunter who used it for the first time the year before. He shot a Ten point and a few minutes later shot a eight point who came running into the area. All with in a five minute time period.

Last year I was eager to try this little trick and put a little bit on a unscented tampon and hung it from a branch about fifty yards from my stand.

Two hours later I noticed a nice size ten point creeping into the area head high sniffing around. I risked taking a onehundred and thirty yard shot once he came to a halt broadside. I benchrested and took aim at him with my Weatherby Vanguard 300 WBY Mag wearing a Leupold VX-II 3.9x40mm.

Needless to say he didn't make it 30 yards before he was down.

I will continue to take good advise from more experienced hunters and I will be using Vanilla again this season.

hogdogs · October 29, 2008, 08:30 PM

What type and brand of Vanilla Extract were these positive results with?
Don't wanna buy a lame duck!
Brent

wpcexpert · October 29, 2008, 08:48 PM

I had to post a reprint. Do not use Vanilla extract. Use IMITATION Vanilla. The real stuff has alcohol in it. The critters don't like it. At least that's been my experience. I've been blown out of the woods with the real stuff. Imitation only.

Edit:
I was just informed that they also have Imitation Vanilla Extract. Just be sure it says Imitation.

bclark1 · October 29, 2008, 09:09 PM

So it seems like a positive thing? I'd actually heard this was a tall tale and that it'd send 'em running as it's too foreign.

I'd like to experiment, but if I haven't filled my buck tag I'm blame the vanilla. If I do fill my buck tag and a bigger one walks in, I'll shoot myself. Lose-lose.

zahnzieh · October 29, 2008, 10:52 PM

Yeah. How do you apply it? Do you just dispense it the day of the hunt or put it on wicks and let the scent linger in the area? thanks

wpcexpert · October 30, 2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

How do you apply it? Do you just dispense it the day of the hunt or put it on wicks and let the scent linger in the area?

You know, I've never tried the prolonged use of in a particular area. I wouldn't think it would work in the kind of way. It's not a food substance that would continue to bring in deer like corn will. I would think that you would eventually create a Null effect for the vanilla. If the deer smells the stuff and can't find it, or finds it and it is nothing, then they will dismiss it from then on.

I use it as a curosity scent. When they come into the area and catch a wiff, they sometimes linger around and try and find the source. But they usually end up finding the buisness end of a arrow.

I always take my scent wicks with me. I never leave them in the woods.

The Terminator · October 30, 2008, 05:12 PM

Deer don't just like the smell. They like the taste. I have always put it in spray bottle and sprayed leaves with it. I have seen them eat kudzu that had been sprayed. One fellow said to use imitation, but, I have always used the real thing. I guess either would work.

It has a strong odor, is put on a game trail, and they will smell it and come to it.

Edward429451 · October 30, 2008, 05:40 PM

I've heard that deer are curiously attracted to the smell of coffee also. With all the deer shot in camp stories I've heard I think it might be true. None of em proved it in my camp this year though!

Hadda trudge out and get em.

RLFD5415 · October 30, 2008, 06:40 PM

Double T,

If you say it works that's good enough for me. I'll give it a go tomorrow as a matter of fact!

. I think what i have in the house is Imitation. I'll report back in tom.

bclark1 · October 30, 2008, 07:14 PM

Report back and let us know!

Anyone think it might be a regional thing, too? The guys who said it's hocus-pocus are PA hunters - perhaps it works better in south/further west/somewhere else?

Brian Pfleuger · October 30, 2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

I poured an entire bottle on a log one morning and a cowhorn came straight in and B-lined for the log and started licking and gnawing. After a few licks, he started having breathing problems and killed over dead. Strangest thing.

same thing happened to my first wife.

Wait... which part?

wpcexpert · October 30, 2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Anyone think it might be a regional thing, too? The guys who said it's hocus-pocus are PA hunters - perhaps it works better in south/further west/somewhere else?

The cowhorn that got smoked due to the vanilla was in WV. I've used it in PA. Same results as always. In fact I'm heading up there on Sat to hunt with my dad for the week. Ever hopeful for the Bigun.

22-rimfire · October 30, 2008, 09:05 PM

I've held to the belief that vanilla flavored tobacco smoke attracts deer.

Jager78 · October 30, 2008, 09:28 PM

I'll bet RLFD5415 will at least see some wildlife come by sniffing around.
I swear by the stuff and will cotinue to use it.
By the way I used real extract. I don't know if there is enough alcohol in it to matter, but you could always play it safe and use imatation vanilla. I think I'll try both on different days this season.

hogdogs · October 30, 2008, 09:48 PM

Okay I finally got UN-LAZY (that a word?) and went into the wifey section of the spices/seasonings/flavorings cabinet and before me I hold a bottle of "FISCHER'S IMITATION VANILLA EXTRACT" And as I thought I remembered from the days as a wee lad of pre teen age watchin momma baking (I always waited to lick off them beaters)... The second ingredient in the fake stuff is alcohol so either you choose if it don't work you can't blame alcohol...
Think she is gonna miss it? I am gonna test it out in the yard near my Bait... ERRRR Bird feed...
Brent

simonkenton · October 31, 2008, 03:39 AM

As I recall from my Paramedic days, both the real and imitation vanilla extract have about the same amount of alcohol.
Go on a call on a Sunday, can't buy booze in Georgia, an old wino is laying there with 4 or 5 empty bottles of imitation vanilla extract on the floor.
Disgusting, but at least it was a pleasant masking scent to make up for the fact that he hadn't had a bath in 3 weeks.

dabigguns357 · October 31, 2008, 10:00 AM

how i like to use such things as that is to find old film canisters,clean the smell out,tap a small hole in the top,fill with cotten balls,fill canisters til they are all most full with whatever scent you want,take twine/cotten string and tie and knot in one end and a loop in the other,take the knotted end and push it through the hole in the top of the canister till all you see is the loop, submerging string in scent.When you are ready to use just pull on the loop till it stops,then take the loop and hang from a tree or bush are a nail in a tree.When you are done just pull on knot and resubmerge string.It's cheap or even free if you already have everything.

jimbo_4 · October 31, 2008, 04:49 PM

ok, after reading this I thought I'd give it a try over the weekend. I dumped about 1 oz on a bush about 15 yds from my stand (bow hunting). it smells very strong, and I'm in a high traffic area for deer around here. We'll see if any come by and start having breathing issues here too. ;-)

jimbo_4 · October 31, 2008, 09:18 PM

Well, coming in from down wind, came a doe, and a button buck. They did hang around for a couple minutes, the doe sniffed around, but never ate at the bush I put the vanilla on, but did eat off of some leaves next to it. Again, I'm where about 6 deer trails intersect and the cross from the public to the private land. They could have been traveling the fence line anyway. I WILL try again tomorrow, I have no idea why I didn't shoot, that will be another thread.

October 29, 2008, 03:33 PM	#1
simonkenton Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2008 Posts: 891	Vanilla Extract? Is someone pulling my leg, or is vanilla extract really a good deer lure?

October 29, 2008, 04:57 PM	#2
SKULLANDCROSSBONES65 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2008 Location: Far Nth Wst QLD Australia Posts: 992	G'day, sounds like something you might use to mask other scent with. It might also be better than splashing Bambi **** over yourself. __________________ If you're not confused, you're not trying hard enough! When you're confused, I'll try to use smaller words!!!

October 29, 2008, 05:25 PM	#4
wpcexpert Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 791	I've used Vanilla extcact on many occasions. I've neved seen a deer come from great distances to find it, but I've had deer stay in the area plenty long enough for me to get a shot. If they are comming into my area already, they will sometimes hang out to try and find the scent. You know I take that back. I poured an entire bottle on a log one morning and a cowhorn came straight in and B-lined for the log and started licking and gnawing. After a few licks, he started having breathing problems and killed over dead. Strangest thing. But to answer your question directly, Yes it does work. Another one I've had good luck with is Sure Kill Acorn Scent. Many a doe have been lured right in and reduced to possession. __________________ When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil. - Thomas Jefferson

October 29, 2008, 06:12 PM	#6
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	Vanilla extract is my favorite deer lure. It has worked well for me. I got the tip from an old man when I was a teenager. That, and peanut butter smeared on leaves will attract them. It won't attract them for miles around, but it does work. It is especially good for when the rut is not in, or near, or is past. Does and bucks alike will come to it. The only bear that I ever killed, a black bear, in 1987, was coming after it I think. No wives tale with vanilla extract. Best - Ted __________________ The Terminator John 3:16 (I hope to see You over there.)

October 29, 2008, 08:48 PM	#9
wpcexpert Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 791	I had to post a reprint. Do not use Vanilla extract. Use IMITATION Vanilla. The real stuff has alcohol in it. The critters don't like it. At least that's been my experience. I've been blown out of the woods with the real stuff. Imitation only. Edit: I was just informed that they also have Imitation Vanilla Extract. Just be sure it says Imitation. __________________ When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil. - Thomas Jefferson Last edited by wpcexpert; October 29, 2008 at 08:51 PM. Reason: Additional info.

October 29, 2008, 05:03 PM	#3
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	I wouldn't dispute it as many things out of the realm seem to work. Diesel and strawberry jello both attract hog so who is to say vanilla won't attract deer. Brent

October 29, 2008, 08:26 PM	#7
Jager78 Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2007 Location: Pig's Eye MN Posts: 166	My first experience using Vanilla was very positive. Heard about it from a experienced Deer Hunter who used it for the first time the year before. He shot a Ten point and a few minutes later shot a eight point who came running into the area. All with in a five minute time period. Last year I was eager to try this little trick and put a little bit on a unscented tampon and hung it from a branch about fifty yards from my stand. Two hours later I noticed a nice size ten point creeping into the area head high sniffing around. I risked taking a onehundred and thirty yard shot once he came to a halt broadside. I benchrested and took aim at him with my Weatherby Vanguard 300 WBY Mag wearing a Leupold VX-II 3.9x40mm. Needless to say he didn't make it 30 yards before he was down. I will continue to take good advise from more experienced hunters and I will be using Vanilla again this season.

October 29, 2008, 08:30 PM	#8
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	What type and brand of Vanilla Extract were these positive results with? Don't wanna buy a lame duck! Brent

October 29, 2008, 09:09 PM	#10
bclark1 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,531	So it seems like a positive thing? I'd actually heard this was a tall tale and that it'd send 'em running as it's too foreign. I'd like to experiment, but if I haven't filled my buck tag I'm blame the vanilla. If I do fill my buck tag and a bigger one walks in, I'll shoot myself. Lose-lose.

October 29, 2008, 10:52 PM	#11
zahnzieh Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2006 Posts: 206	Yeah. How do you apply it? Do you just dispense it the day of the hunt or put it on wicks and let the scent linger in the area? thanks

October 30, 2008, 05:12 PM	#13
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	Deer don't just like the smell. They like the taste. I have always put it in spray bottle and sprayed leaves with it. I have seen them eat kudzu that had been sprayed. One fellow said to use imitation, but, I have always used the real thing. I guess either would work. It has a strong odor, is put on a game trail, and they will smell it and come to it. __________________ The Terminator John 3:16 (I hope to see You over there.)

October 30, 2008, 05:40 PM	#14
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I've heard that deer are curiously attracted to the smell of coffee also. With all the deer shot in camp stories I've heard I think it might be true. None of em proved it in my camp this year though! Hadda trudge out and get em.

October 30, 2008, 06:40 PM	#15
RLFD5415 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2004 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 129	Double T, If you say it works that's good enough for me. I'll give it a go tomorrow as a matter of fact!. I think what i have in the house is Imitation. I'll report back in tom.

October 30, 2008, 07:14 PM	#16
bclark1 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,531	Report back and let us know! Anyone think it might be a regional thing, too? The guys who said it's hocus-pocus are PA hunters - perhaps it works better in south/further west/somewhere else?

October 30, 2008, 09:05 PM	#19
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	I've held to the belief that vanilla flavored tobacco smoke attracts deer.

October 30, 2008, 09:28 PM	#20
Jager78 Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2007 Location: Pig's Eye MN Posts: 166	I'll bet RLFD5415 will at least see some wildlife come by sniffing around. I swear by the stuff and will cotinue to use it. By the way I used real extract. I don't know if there is enough alcohol in it to matter, but you could always play it safe and use imatation vanilla. I think I'll try both on different days this season.

October 30, 2008, 09:48 PM	#21
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	Okay I finally got UN-LAZY (that a word?) and went into the wifey section of the spices/seasonings/flavorings cabinet and before me I hold a bottle of "FISCHER'S IMITATION VANILLA EXTRACT" And as I thought I remembered from the days as a wee lad of pre teen age watchin momma baking (I always waited to lick off them beaters)... The second ingredient in the fake stuff is alcohol so either you choose if it don't work you can't blame alcohol... Think she is gonna miss it? I am gonna test it out in the yard near my Bait... ERRRR Bird feed... Brent

October 31, 2008, 03:39 AM	#22
simonkenton Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2008 Posts: 891	As I recall from my Paramedic days, both the real and imitation vanilla extract have about the same amount of alcohol. Go on a call on a Sunday, can't buy booze in Georgia, an old wino is laying there with 4 or 5 empty bottles of imitation vanilla extract on the floor. Disgusting, but at least it was a pleasant masking scent to make up for the fact that he hadn't had a bath in 3 weeks.

October 31, 2008, 10:00 AM	#23
dabigguns357 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2008 Location: Ona,West Virginia Posts: 1,215	how i like to use such things as that is to find old film canisters,clean the smell out,tap a small hole in the top,fill with cotten balls,fill canisters til they are all most full with whatever scent you want,take twine/cotten string and tie and knot in one end and a loop in the other,take the knotted end and push it through the hole in the top of the canister till all you see is the loop, submerging string in scent.When you are ready to use just pull on the loop till it stops,then take the loop and hang from a tree or bush are a nail in a tree.When you are done just pull on knot and resubmerge string.It's cheap or even free if you already have everything.

October 31, 2008, 04:49 PM	#24
jimbo_4 Member Join Date: October 12, 2008 Location: South Lyon, MI Posts: 50	ok, after reading this I thought I'd give it a try over the weekend. I dumped about 1 oz on a bush about 15 yds from my stand (bow hunting). it smells very strong, and I'm in a high traffic area for deer around here. We'll see if any come by and start having breathing issues here too. ;-)

October 31, 2008, 09:18 PM	#25
jimbo_4 Member Join Date: October 12, 2008 Location: South Lyon, MI Posts: 50	Well, coming in from down wind, came a doe, and a button buck. They did hang around for a couple minutes, the doe sniffed around, but never ate at the bush I put the vanilla on, but did eat off of some leaves next to it. Again, I'm where about 6 deer trails intersect and the cross from the public to the private land. They could have been traveling the fence line anyway. I WILL try again tomorrow, I have no idea why I didn't shoot, that will be another thread.