By: Heath Graham
I can remember back to around 2009—the first time I ever laid hands on the brown bag. On the side, it read: “The Power of the Brown Bag.” I had seen some acquaintances from Missouri using it—guys known for consistently harvesting big deer—and I thought, why not give it a try?
That was 16 years ago. And looking back, there’s not a doubt in my mind that these past 16 seasons have been the best I’ve ever experienced. Not just in terms of deer harvested, but in holding more deer, seeing more deer, and ultimately understanding the full potential of a property when it's managed the right way.
Before owning my own ground, I hunted leases, bounced around with buddies—like most of us do. But when I finally had the chance to buy a piece of land, I already knew what product line I’d be building around. There wasn’t even a second thought. Big & J had earned my trust.
Not Just a Product—A Strategy
When you use something for over a decade and a half, it becomes more than just a product—it becomes part of your system. Big & J has been that for me. It’s not a gimmick. It’s not sugar water with a flavor packet. It’s real nutrition, real long-range attraction, and when used properly, it plays a massive role in not just seeing more deer—but in keeping them around.
What Makes Big & J Different
There are a lot of attractants on the market these days, but very few actually bring value to the herd. Big & J’s original BB2 was ahead of its time. It wasn’t just a salty, sugary pile. It’s protein-based, has a strong aroma that carries in the wind, and it’s something deer genuinely benefit from. It feeds them.
What makes it different?
- Formulated by experts: The product was developed by multiple on-staff nutritionists working hand-in-hand with die-hard hunters who know what deer really need. This combination of science and real-world experience gives Big & J a unique edge.
- It works—fast. I’ve seen deer on camera within hours of putting it out.
- It has lasting power. Deer don’t just come and nibble—they come back.
- It supports health. Especially during the offseason, the nutrition helps.
- It’s versatile. Works standalone, in feeders, or paired with corn.
The Trail Cam Test
When it comes to trail cameras and taking inventory, I’ve told people this for years: if you put Big & J out, you’ll know exactly what’s on your property—or even nearby—within a few days.
Seriously. If you’re not getting pictures, it’s likely because there’s nothing around. It’s that effective. And if you can afford the batteries, I highly recommend keeping your cameras running year-round. The insights you’ll gain watching seasonal movement and new bucks showing up in spring and late season are worth every penny.
And it’s been fun to watch Big & J’s product line grow over the years. There’s something now for every season—from early summer to deep winter—that truly benefits your herd beyond just hunting season.
Think About Your Neighbors
One thing most hunters overlook? What your neighboring properties are doing.
Most hunters, if they’re halfway serious, are planting fall food plots or tossing out corn during the season. So, the question becomes: what makes your corn pile different?
How do you make it not just “a” corn pile—but the corn pile?
Here’s how I do it: I use BB2 as a top dressing over corn. A little goes a long way. That aroma, that nutrition—it turns a basic feed pile into a high-interest site. Especially in pressured areas or later in the season, that edge can make all the difference.
How I Use Big & J — In the Field
Over the years, I’ve learned that Big & J isn’t just a “dump it and leave” attractant. Sure, you can use it that way and deer will come, but when you’re strategic, that’s where it really shines.
Here’s how I typically use it:
- Location matters. I place it in areas where deer already feel safe—near bedding, along travel routes, or in staging areas with low pressure.
- Timing is key. I like to start in late summer, long before season. That early introduction helps deer find it, build a habit, and stay in the area.
- Keep it fresh. I don’t overdo it, but I refresh sites regularly to keep scent strong and results consistent.
- Camera gold. Some of my best trail cam photos have come over Big & J. It pulls mature bucks in daylight—a rare thing with most attractants.
Hunting Over Feed – My Setup Philosophy
When it comes time to actually hunt over feed, especially BB2, I don’t just dump it in a pile and call it good. In fact, I rarely hunt over a feeder. Sure, I’ll use certain Big & J
products in feeders to keep things going, but when it’s game time—when I’m in the stand—I do it a little differently.
I pour the BB2 in a line, positioned intentionally based on how I want the deer to feed.
To some, that might seem like overthinking. But for me, it can mean the difference between having a perfect shot and not getting a shot at all.
Think of it like this: if a deer was feeding from a trough, how would they be standing? That’s how I visualize it when I pour feed. I think about their angle, their line of sight, and their position in relation to my stand or blind.
Personally, I love a quartering-away shot—especially with a bow. Why? Because when a deer is feeding in that position, his eyes aren’t facing me. That small detail buys me time. It reduces the risk of a flinch, a step, or a busted movement.
I've had a lot of success setting it up this way, especially when introducing young hunters to the field. Give them a setup where everything is working in their favor—position, timing, shot angle—and you increase the odds of success dramatically.
At the end of the day, that’s what it's all about—setting them up for success. And that starts with thinking through every detail.
Final Thoughts
It’s crazy to think that one brown bag I picked up back in 2009 would end up playing such a big role in my hunting journey. But Big & J isn’t just a product I use—it’s part of how I hunt, how I manage my ground, and how I set others up for success in the field.
Whether you're checking cameras, preparing a spot for your kid's first deer, or trying to outsmart an old mountain buck, Big & J gives you an edge.
Not because it’s magic—but because it’s thoughtfully made, proven, and part of a bigger strategy that keeps delivering year after year.