About Us

Dear Valued Customer,

My name is Jack Hill, and I am the maker and creator of Lone Wolf Lures. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. These disciplines provide a strong foundation for developing effective animal attractants, lures, and baits. When formulating lures using ingredients like base materials, preservatives, essential oils, crystals, tinctures, freeze-proofing agents, and blending agents—chemistry plays a critical role. Biology, especially animal behavior, is equally important. For example, when trapping canines, you definitely don’t want a lure that triggers a roll response when trapping canines.

In my early years of trapping, I tried numerous animal lures with disappointing results. I quickly discovered that many of them lost their scent rapidly—what’s known as being “extremely volatile.” A good example is shellfish oil, which is widely used. Try this test: place some on a Q-tip, hang it up, and check back in three or four hours. You’ll likely find, as I did, that the scent is nearly gone. There are much better attractants out there. Russ Carmen once wrote that a good lure should last at least three days. Test it for yourself—apply some to a stick, leave it outside during trapping season, and see if you can still smell it after three days, you should still be able to smell the lure!

As I continued trapping, I found that most store-bought lures failed that simple test. On top of that, some of them froze completely—rendering them useless. A frozen lure produces no scent. That’s when I realized I needed to understand lure formulation for myself. I experienced many refusals. It’s incredibly frustrating when a raccoon walks within inches of your set, only to find out the lure had frozen. And canines—especially coyotes—were even more elusive. They would often “sniff and go” not working the set.

Eventually, I had the opportunity to take a lure-making class, and that’s when everything changed. I began experimenting—many of those early efforts ended up in the garbage—but each attempt taught me something new. It took 36 tries before I finally found a formula that effectively attracted weasels. That lure became “Ace in the Hole.” There’s a deep satisfaction in creating lures that work—not just for me, but for my customers.

Gary Jepson, a mentor and friend, writes: “Lure making and development is a very fascinating and scientific endeavor.” The process incorporates both chemistry and biology. The attraction of animals can result from responses such as food, territorial instincts, mating, curiosity, or a combination of these. One of the biggest and most common mistakes a beginner—or even an experienced trapper—can make is not understanding the value of a well-made lure.

Gary also writes, “As a guide to purchasing good quality products…ask the lure maker to explain it’s usage…and the season and weather… If the lure maker is not interested in explaining, move on to another.”

Another thing I insist upon, is the fact that my lures are not regional. That is, my lures are tested in various parts of the country. If they pass that test, then and only then, do I release them for sale. This makes only good business sense because I want repeat business. I also want my products to be talked about and used.

I hope that Lone Wolf Lures meets or exceeds your expectations.

Sincerely,