It seems that lure making is one of those fields where science and art combine. I can tell you to put gland A mixed with tincture B and fix with product C but like you mentioned without the trained nose, the years of expierince (often passed down from mentors and family) the end product may vary greatly each time. Take all this into account and then add in the most unpredictable aspect - the furbearer.

I live in the midwest and trap coyotes, mostly because we have coyotes. I am no big numbers guy and I dont know even 1/3 of what there is to know about coyote trapping, I do however pay attention to the lures I buy: what works and what doesnt. Its crazy somtimes, more than once Ill purchase a lure from any number of mainstream reputable lure makers / dealers. Sometimes Ill have great success for 1 maybe 2 seasons, then wam cold - no dice? Im talking new country, new critters, not legaly trapped previous for a number of seasons? Other instances Ill try a lure to have great success, maybe a gland lure in the fall, works great then all of a sudden every coyote within miles wants to roll in it. All my flat sets are fired off with long gaurd hairs in em.
Its instances like this, maybe changes in weather, the animals breeding season, maybe something I stuck into the jar when applying lure? These things always leeve me scratching my head?

Tightchain -- that's a great question, and its another important dynamic of lure testing. I've done both. In some cases I wanted to see if there was a preference among different lures. Other times I just wanted to see how one, specific lure worked.

For example, here's some PRCC all by itself. I have 20 minutes of this fox doing this very thing, over and over again.





On the other hand, putting a couple different lures together in a side-by-side comparison never really works out well.

Here's one that I set up -- you can see the three jars there with their corresponding lure sticks.



The problem is, the first customer that comes by usually makes such a wreck of things that you can't tell what happened after the first visit.

Tracy, this will be interesting to say the least. I appreciate your forwardness, and honest approach to things.

You spelled out the ground rules pretty clear, lets hope everyone plays along.

I would like to add one thing, if you don't mind.

As a lure maker, and a trapper, I have definate opinions on a particular lures' use, and application. At least from how I see it.

Constantly, I am told by a customer how they use a certain lure, and how it worked for them (or didn't in some cases) The interesting thing is that alot of the time the lure will work in a fashion totally DIFFERANT than the lure was intended for.

For example, A 'cat/coyote call/curiosity lure, fairly loud, being used as an otter lure. Or, a mild lure with mink glands, being used (sucessfully I might add) for a combination mink muskrat lure. The list goes on.

Most of us know how red fox smells will catch coyotes, and vice versa, and maybe better than the smell of their owm.

But, you would be surprised how many people think coyote gland will only catch the "big old male red fox". Sure, in some cases that might be true, but all cases have some examples.

My point is, theres a multitude of factors out there.

Your use of the trail cams will shed some light on things for sure.

I have to take my hat off to you.

Great Post, I'll be waiting on part 2!!!!

This is awesome stuff! I too am waiting for more.

This is the by far the best post ive seen on the net in a long time. Since i have an interest in bait and lure makeing now that im unable to physically do alot of outdoor activity. Thanks for sharing. Cameron 2 you are displelling the myth that all lawyers are worthless lying cheating conmen. I hope they dont disbar you.JK dgarrett

Mr. Graham hit it on the head. I've have always been amazed when reading lure descriptions in catalogs that say Excellent mink lure. This lure has also taken huge numbers of otters. The list goes on and on.

There's been a number of occasion where I've come across a place that you just have to set but don't have the lure you'd like along so you throw something not necessarily intended for what your doing out and connect.

With all the great trappers and lure makers past and present there's never been the perfect, automatic, garunteed lure. Just like fishing baits. They all work when used correctly or more importantly when the critters are hungry and hunting.

i have dial up, i can watch them after i let them load for about 20 mins. but i don't have 20 mins most of the time to let them load, lol. so usually i don't even try.

Great post. Thank You !

I am with Buzzy on this one.

Great points! Here is another way to look at what would yield the same results with a lure at trap sets. (Just trying to stir the pot some and keep things interesting.) Maybe the animals are attracted to WIDE range of lures and there is no super secret concoction Of course this attraction would vary among species with certain ingredients overlapping. I'm sure Tracy's videos will open some eyes.
I think it was Phil Brown (makes very large catches) I heard this about, please correct me if I am wrong. The story went something like this: he was asked at a Convention to pick out his favorite lure. He closed his eyes and grabbed a lure off the table and said this one!
I am of the opinion that there is no substitute for a well made set in the correct spot. Some smells are better than others, but there is no "nirvana" in a bottle.

Mr. Truman, This I believe is the best post I have seen to date on this site. Thank You, for your time & effort. Hopefully, you will get furthur in depth concerning COLD weather lures & baits. Thank's Again

great post.......will suck up what I can. Your comment and video on the dogs....what was your thoughts as I think the dog was going to react similar but the horse coming up moved them on....dogs have a way of wanting to be out front. What were your thoughts here??

Mr. Truman, this is the best post I have seen in a while, very good read....thank you.

Mr. Truman,

Great post!

An interesting point, with my limited knowledge and experience, I'd have to agree. If you have ever read "Master Wolfer" Lucero talks about placing urine 18 inches in front of the set, followed by a gland lure off to the side of the set and nothing but bait down the hole. Do you think this might be his reasoning?

Hey Tracy some of them bottles look like they came from Iowa.Pic don't lie.

Shhhhhh. There are some secrets that we don't talk about.

Mr. Braveheart has forgotten more about lure making than I'll ever know, and I had the privilege of testing some of his.

Talk away, guys. I'm all ears.

this is good,bring on part 2.