How long will a good quality gland or food lure stay good. Is it okay to use them for several seasons? Thanks Warren

Most will be as good or better for well more than a year or three.

Lures that contain skunk essence may have to be re-juiced with a drop or two of essence after a year or more.

What Swamp Wolf says is true. Although aged skunk essence is much milder, it has different attractions. Fresh Gusto for example is an excellent marten lure, but canines tend to shy away from it, I've found that a partially used bottle though held over until the next year may not be as potent smelling of a long distance call lure for marten, but canines find it much more attractive. I've not tried age skunk essence in any of my own formulations, but my observations on this and other lures with skunk essence in them and the difference in their performance with aging (another highly touted commercial canine lure I won't mention the name of, I've found much more effective after it has been opened for a year or two than when bought and used fresh, it also has a distinctive skunk smell fresh that changes and becomes much milder with age) has caused me to give serious consideration to doing so.

Well built lures should last indefinitely if in a good container with a good cap closure. The odor may change slightly over time and the color in some cases. Pure skunk quill built into a formula will soften most definitely. Its sharpness naturally bleeds off over time as well..

With a bottle opened and closed frequently with use, and some lure getting on the cap & the lure bottle top, this over time allows further bleed off of the essence if some lure is held for a season or more.. All common occurrences. Skunk is extremely volatile and is constantly evaporating. It is over rated in my opinion as an attractor by itself in general but has its purpose if used with good understanding of its role..

Even though the initial sharp odor appears dissipated it is still held within the product. Many find it is much more effective at this stage. I agree with that assessment. Sweet skunk provides the best of both worlds in a formula and holds for years with its attraction. For flatland trapping I prefer much milder presentations. In forested areas harsh skunk use will better serve the purpose due to the dense topographical conditions.

Like stated just re spike the lure if desired with some essence as would fit your taste. More is not better as seems to be the average trappers mind set.

Like Bob stated, well built lures will stay good indefinitely. I have some Backbreaker that dad made 25 years ago, and it's actually better now than when it was 10 years old.

Thanks for asking this wolfmann. I’ve been pondering this very question myself.

I’ve wondered if the attraction of some or maybe even all lures doesn’t change a bit with age. Sounds like if it’s an effective lure and made with quality products it will actually improve over time. Kind of like good liquor in the barrel.

I have a couple of fairly loud lures that have “softened” since I first opened them and was wondering if I should or needed to add a little tincture to brink it back to its original level. Based on Bob and Pauls comments I’m thinking it’s not necessary.

what Bob and Paul said.

Thanks for the replies. Good to know I can use leftovers next year. Thanks Warren

It should also be said that you will want to store your lures out of any direct sunlight if you plan on keeping them good for a while.

I keep mine in some secondhand coolers. You can pick them up cheap at yard sales.

I have some lure that is from, ( some would say ) one of the better younger generation's lure and bait makers.
After three or four years ,( and all remaining unopened / never opened ) almost all had separated .
I can tell you, I was surprised !!!

Shake em up. a lot of lures seperate it doesn't mean they are not any good.