Bowhunting with Attractants: Get Deer in Close for Your Shot

Bowhunting Requires a Different Attractant Strategy

Firearm hunters can kill at 200m. Bowhunters need the animal within 30-50m, calm, stationary, and in the right position. Your attractant strategy needs to be built around creating exactly that scenario.

The Magic 20-Meter Circle

Position your attractant site 20-25m from your stand - close enough for a confident shot, far enough that the deer isn't directly under you and looking up. This distance also keeps wind noise and movement in your tree from alarming the animal while it feeds.

Yellow Oestrus

Slow-release gel - deer stand and work the scent for 30-60 seconds - your shot window

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Glande Pre-Orbitale

Pre-orbital scent on a licking branch - deer pause and investigate for a perfect broadside shot

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Creating a Shot Lane

Before the season, trim shooting lanes from your stand to your attractant site. Clear branches at 1m, 2m, and 3m height to ensure a clear arrow path from multiple positions in your tree. Do this months before the season to let the clearing 'settle' naturally.

The Best Broadside Opportunity

Position your licking branch or scrape so that the approaching deer must present a broadside angle to access it. This requires imagining the deer's approach path - set the attractant so they have to turn slightly away from your stand to reach it.