I do realize some serious difficulties (certain ingredients no longer available, potential legal issues, process differences, etc.); but do the lure-makers here think it's possible to get reasonably close to older lure lines that are no longer available, if you had a sample to work off of?

just curious.

It could be very challenging to duplicate some things with no clue as to some of the ingredients. Some ingredients can be identified however a well formulated product aged and blended well can be difficult to make exactly.

It would take many test batches most likely of many ingredients of different amounts to get close. Much expense, some knowledge, plus trial and error.

Some simple lures with only a few ingredients would be easier to duplicate obviously but others many be near impossible. If you could establish the base material that would give you a big start.

appreciate the reply, Bob.

I guess I'm just lamenting the fact that some extraordinary lure makers took their product to the grave with them. Certainly, that is their right (and I understand that sentiment on some level); but I think it's a darn shame in other respects.

I have a single bottle of Stechnicki's Fox N, that I'd love to try, but...he ain't making any more of it.

just musing, is all...

I know some of Mikes products and that one is formulated with eggs as he told me when we were discussing it one day. There are of course other ingredients a couple of which I believe are castor and tonguin musk. It is a very different smelling lure that is certain.

The rest you will have to figure out one day. I have a bottle that he gave me years ago with a matrix lure to try but never have as of yet. Will keep them as collectors items.

Some chemical companies offer the service your asking for.

I heard tell of the USDA back in the 70's doing some testing on different commercial lures and baits for efficacy. Way I was told was that the government then tried to duplicate a few of them through chemical analysis. They kept buying lure. I guess its not an easy thing to do.

thanks for the info, guys!

Bob, I'll have to start experimenting with your egg base!

even if a guy had the original recipe I doubt it could be replicated 100% to many tiny variables a drop of this a slight taint that comes from the eyes of the beholder! But if you considered it like horse shoes or hand grenades It might be doable! But try you never know your creation might be better than the original. And the practice would be good for any hobby lure and bait maker. set your goal and go

I was very fortunate to stand by my teacher for years. And see every move and how everything is suppose to look before the next step.And Ron did the same with Bill Nelson to figure out his formula's . I Know for a fact the last 5 lures I came up with no one would have a slightest clue what went in and what was done to them.
It is way more than buying a formula and mixing. It is what it takes to get to every step and years to do it.
Keg Creek

Also many ingredients used by old timers are no longer available

I do know most of Nelson stuff is natural and not all this chemical hokus pokus that I see now. I bet Slim's is very basic aged and blended over time. I have found contacts to get some old school stuff but very costly but well worth the money from the results I have seen myself and testimonials from 100 plus coyote trappers and big catch cat trappers.
Keg Creek

Working beside nelson for several years would of been like winning the lottery! To keep a legacy like that going would of been great