The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Scentfree, is it all its cracked up to be?

Jason280 · October 14, 2005, 05:31 PM

I think scent eliminators and cover scents have their place, but I don't think any of the items totally remove or hide the human odor. Personally, I think it depends on the individual deer. I was bowhunting last year, and had a doe smell me almost immediately. She was totally spooked the entire time, and wouldn't come any closer than 25-30 yards. Later on that same morning, I had a small buck walk within 9 yards of my stand, and he acted like he never smelled a thing. I think some deer are simply more skittish of unexplained or human scents, while some seem to just not care.

I also know guys who smoke while they hunt, and still kill deer. I guess it depends on how lucky you are! However, I have gotten in the habit of getting higher in trees, particularly with my climbers. I routinely climb to 20-25", and haven't really had any problems with deer smelling me lately.

October 14, 2005, 05:31 PM	#14
Jason280 Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2002 Location: Athens,Georgia Posts: 355	I think scent eliminators and cover scents have their place, but I don't think any of the items totally remove or hide the human odor. Personally, I think it depends on the individual deer. I was bowhunting last year, and had a doe smell me almost immediately. She was totally spooked the entire time, and wouldn't come any closer than 25-30 yards. Later on that same morning, I had a small buck walk within 9 yards of my stand, and he acted like he never smelled a thing. I think some deer are simply more skittish of unexplained or human scents, while some seem to just not care. I also know guys who smoke while they hunt, and still kill deer. I guess it depends on how lucky you are! However, I have gotten in the habit of getting higher in trees, particularly with my climbers. I routinely climb to 20-25", and haven't really had any problems with deer smelling me lately.