How exactly do scent lures work?

[Ivory]

Do they fan out where you're pointing at or does it only spread in the direction the wind is blowing? If so, how far does the wind influence things? With the alchemist perk I know 200m is the maximum distance it can cover but if the weather is calm does that mean it will only go so far as 100-150m? With a 25%-50% wider cone?

Also does it mask our scent? Because if it only attracts donwind prey then it may be a tad more complicated to hunt this way without the scent eliminator (which ins't perfect by itself). Finally, do they come close to my position or am I better off dropping the scent on a spot and "running" (aka, fast sneaking) for cover?

PS: Somewhat unrelated question; the timer on these scents/callers... is it in-game time or real time?

[Mr. Ed]

They fan and have an area effect as well. Wind speed can increase distance but narrows the fan. Lures do not mask our scent. I've had Moose, Roe deer and Musk deer head right for the spot where the lure was sprayed and stand there like soldiers on parade within minutes. Which is good because the lures 6 min duration is only about half the time it takes for some whitetails to arrive on the scene in response to a second calling session.

As long as I haven't moved from the exact spot where I applied it the scent eliminator has worked fine for me. Have had Moose, Elk, Bear, Roe, Fallow and Moose come right on in from downwind responding to a call. One bear actually fast trotted right into me, as did a Bull Moose. That being said, if I have so much as moved from one side of the tree to the other after application of the eliminator the jig has been up the moment the animals hit the wind fan while they circle downwind, which older, larger and wiser animals often do.

For those animals which have a higher unlocking number for the call than they do for the scent lure it at least gives you something to entice the animal with. I'll put the lure on a bush, call and then fast sneak for cover down and crosswind wise, apply the eliminator see what happens. I've even had that work after an animal has given me a warning vocal. Sometimes nothing works. That's hunting.

Hope this helps.

[Fischkopf]

regarding the "not moving from spot" this has nothing to do with the scent. if the animals in a resting zone they hardly will move even with the callers.

Scents are very effective in every direction especially when used in combination with callers. I had some high level animals run nearly over me when used the combinaion of both. and that with shy bulls/bucks which normally will not come closer than 100m! So if you are on a hunt for diamonds i really recommend to take scents with you as it will help you to move the animals in a range for the needed perfect shot!

[cybvep]

Do you know how the scent tinkerer rank 3 affects the range of scent lures?