URINES

Urines are one of the best of all natural scent attractors. Urines are almost always collected by drip pans from caged animals. The best urines are from females in heat, and from animals that have been fed wild meats.

In one of his trapping books, Ragnar Benson mentioned that he usually sprinkles a few drops around a set, "Although I'm not sure it does any good." Well, if all he's doing is using a few drops, that's a question I can answer for him. It's not doing any good. Most lures and ingredients should be used sparingly, but urines are the exception that proves the rule. For canines especially, less than an ounce of urine at a set just isn't going to do anything.

The reason is simple. Urines are easily absorbed by the soil, and readily evaporate. For urines, you should plan what you will need, and buy them in such quantity as to take advantage of every volume discount you can. Insist on only pure urines and, if freezing temperatures are expected, mix just enough glycerine oil in it to prevent freezing. (Urine-based lures that contain fatty substances will usually form a natural antifreeze, that will eliminate the need for glycerine oil. Oil, fat, and alcohol-based lures shouldn't freeze.)

Many older books and articles say that urines, when stored for some time, should have the caps loosened to allow for ammonia to escape. However, I've found that this is not necessary. I add about half a teaspoon of plain cooking salt (non-iodized) per pint of urine, and cap it tightly. If there is a strong ammonia order by the time trapping season rolls around again, don't throw it away. Just add a little fresh urine to it, and go ahead and use it. Any excess ammonia will quickly evaporate at the set.

Over the years, I've tried various methods to prevent urine from dissipating as quickly as it does. Soaking a cotton ball in urine seemed to be the best method, but I would say the difference is pretty negligible. And mixing it with anhydrous lanolin to make it into a past bait seemed to be a total bust.

As always, questions and comments are welcome.

Onward and upward,
airforce