How to Make Liquid Deer Attractant

Making your own liquid deer attractant can help you save money.

If your an avid hunter, purchasing liquid deer attractant and lures is often an expensive and repetitive task. This is especially so if you use bait and lures near your hunting area on a regular basis. Learning how to make liquid deer attractant at home can be tricky, but it is an excellent way to save money on necessary materials and can dramatically increase the number of deer you see in your area.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• 2 whole tarsal glands
• Knife
• Large glass jar with lid
• 6-8 ounces of vodka (90 proof or higher)
• Liquid glycerine
• Long wooden skewer

Instructions

1. 

   Visit your local butcher to easily collect tarsal glands for your attractant.

   Collect tarsal glands. The tarsal glands are the most important ingredient in the attractant and you can collect them simply by visiting your local butcher. In many areas where hunting is popular, privately owned meat shops will gladly process personal deer meat orders. If the butcher has had a deer order that day, ask him if you could have the tarsal glands. In most cases, the butcher throws out the glands, so you can usually get them pretty easily.

2. 

   Use a sharp knife to remove the gland from the skin.

   Prepare the glands for use. A deer's tarsal glands are encased in a sack of skin that you will need to remove before making your liquid attractant. Put on your rubber gloves and use a sharp knife to begin cutting a large circular hole in the sack. Cut away any connective tissue and membranes directly below the skin to free the gland.

3. 

   The higher concentrate of vodka you use the more scent it will extract from the glands.

   Soak the glands to extract the scent and hormones inside. Place your glands in a clean glass jar and pour in 6-8 ounces of high-proof vodka. You need enough liquid in the jar to completely cover the glands. Replace the lid on the glass jar and tighten to secure.

4. 

   A dark pantry is an excellent place to store your attractant while it matures.

   Allow your attractant to mature. Place your tarsal gland solution in a cool, dark place like a basement or pantry. The alcohol will slowly extract the scent and hormones from the glands into the liquid. Allow the jar to remain undisturbed for at least two months to get the best results.

5. 

   Dispose of the glands in an outdoor trash can to prevent them from causing strong odors inside.

   Remove the tarsal glands from the solution. After two months you should have 6-8 ounces of very strong deer attractant concentrate. Put on your rubber gloves and open your glass jar. Use a long wooden skewer to stab and remove the glands from the solution. Dispose of glands in an outdoor trash receptacle to avoid leaving harsh odors in your home.

6. 

   Stir the solution gently to distribute the glycerine throughout.

   Dilute your attractant. Pour 6-8 ounces of liquid glycerine into the open jar. This will add volume and make your solution last longer. Use a long wooden skewer to stir the solution gently. Replace the cap and store the attractant in the same cool, dark place until you are ready to use it.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your attractant is complete, it will become stronger and more effective as it ages. Make the liquid deer attractant a season ahead of time for best results.

• Never handle the tarsal glands with bare hands. This would contaminate your attractant with human scent and render it useless.

References

• Huntmdown: Homemade Lure