Quick Answer
Opossums are primarily attracted to scents of strong-smelling foods and musky odors. These include rotting fruit, decaying carcasses, and the scent of musk glands from raccoons or skunks.
Opossum Attractants
Opossums are naturally curious and opportunistic feeders. They are attracted to strong-smelling foods, which often includes rotting fruit, decaying carcasses, and the scent of musk glands from other animals like raccoons or skunks. To use this to your advantage, place bait in areas with high concentrations of these scents. For example, near a dead animal or a raccoon den.
Effective Bait and Lures
When it comes to attracting opossums, the most effective baits are high-protein foods like chicken entrails, fish guts, or even garbage. To enhance the scent, use a mixture of equal parts water and fish oil or chicken fat. Apply this mixture to the bait or directly to the scent gland of the bait to increase its attractiveness to opossums.
Hunting Strategies
Opossums are typically nocturnal and solitary animals, making them difficult to hunt. However, by using the right baits and lures, you can increase your chances of success. Set up your hunting spot at dusk, when opossums are most active, and be prepared to take a shot at a range of 20-30 yards. Since opossums are excellent climbers, be sure to set up a tree stand or a blind that can accommodate a good vantage point for a shot.
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