Can You Use Attractants for Red Stags During Roaring Season?

Choosing the Right Attractant

When selecting an attractant for red stags during roaring season, it’s essential to consider their natural behaviors and preferences. New Zealand red stags are primarily attracted to areas with high concentrations of females, particularly receptive does. To mimic this behavior, hunters can use attractants that mimic the scent of female deer, such as doe-in-estrous scents or synthetic pheromones. These attractants should be applied in areas with high visibility, such as ridges, saddles, or clearings, and at a rate of 5-10 applications per acre to maximize their effectiveness.

Timing and Placement of Attractants

The timing of attractant application is critical during roaring season. It’s best to apply attractants 2-3 days before the expected peak of the red stag’s activity, allowing the scent to mature and become more attractive to the stags. When placing the attractants, aim for areas that offer a clear line of sight to the surrounding terrain, allowing hunters to observe and track the stags without being detected. Additionally, consider using multiple attractants throughout the hunting area to create a network of scent trails that will guide the stags towards the hunter’s location.

Safety Considerations

When using attractants for red stags, it’s crucial to exercise caution and follow local regulations to avoid interfering with other hunters or disrupting the natural behavior of the deer. Always ensure that the attractants are applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and at the recommended rates to avoid over-saturating the area. Furthermore, maintain a safe distance from the attractants to avoid being detected by the stags and to prevent the spread of disease.