Proper scent control is a consequential element in the bowhunter’s overall hunting strategy. With a whitetail’s primary line of defense being its acute sense of smell, inattention to scent control is not an option.
When attempting to have a close encounter with an animal that possesses nearly 300-million olfactory receptors, a variety of precautionary steps should be taken to reduce as much human odor as possible.
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While there are dozens of soaps, sprays, deodorants and even ozone generators on the market today, having a consistent scent control regime can be more effective than trying to purchase the perfect potion which claims to result in 100% scent ‘elimination’.
Scent Control Tips: From Breath To Boots
Scent control begins by understanding that scent ‘elimination’ is impossible. We can’t bowhunt in a vacuum and our bodies are constantly producing some form of odor, so scent ‘reduction’ is the only realistic objective.
Personally, I think of scent control like a process. A step-by-step regimen I follow before and during each hunt. While every bowhunter will have his or her favorite methods, here are the steps I take on a consistent basis.
1. Hygiene
Scent control begins by consistent and careful hygiene. While bowhunters may differ on their preferred brand of scent free soap and shampoo, choose scent free products that work with your pH level. Dead Down Wind’s Body & Hair Soap seems to work well for me.
I make it a practice to shower before every single hunt. Post showering I use Dead Down Wind’s Odorless Hand & Body Lotion, which again seems to work well with my skin type. While not necessary, the lotion helps prevent dryness when sitting for countless hours in harsh winds and cold temperatures.
After applying a scent free deodorant, I end my hygiene regimen by brushing my teeth with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. This combination is known to be an effective means of killing bacteria, and will also brighten your teeth.
2. Breath
A simple tip for keeping oral bacteria low and your breath fresh is to fill a travel size mouth wash container with hydrogen peroxide. I keep one of these in my pack and swish out my mouth throughout the day.
I recognize that each detail of scent reduction is not big in and of itself, but when added to an overall scent control routine can make a big difference.
3. Layers
After showering I make sure every piece of clothing I put on has been washed in scent free soap—from underwear to all outer garments. Again, my pick is Dead Down Wind’s Laundry Detergent. Some detergents have caused rashes or haven’t seemed to work as well, so I’ve chosen to use what works for me personally.
The only time I’ll wear any of my hunting clothes out of the house is if it’s below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Only then will I put on a base layer before heading to my hunting location. Otherwise, I strip down to my underwear and get dressed once I arrive at my destination. (One farmer’s wife thinks we are insane, and yes it can be chilly.)
4. Travel
After getting dressed in scent free casual clothing I try to head straight out the door. My rushed departure is an attempt to prevent any household smells, such as the smell of breakfast, from hanging on my scent free clothing or person.
I also avoid filling up my truck with gas while in route to where I’ll be hunting. It’s also best if one doesn’t stand near the vehicle’s exhaust and takes extra precautions to avoid any foreign odors which could potentially linger on clothing, hair or otherwise.
5. Storage
All hunting clothes, including my backpack, safety harness, and optics are stored in an airtight container. Once I arrive at my destination, I’ll remove my scent free clothes from the tote and put on my hunting clothes.
To keep the tote scent free, avoid putting anything in the tote that might add odor. Also, try to seal it up as soon as you remove your clothing. I have taken dry leaves from my hunting area and added them to my tote as a cover scent, but that is the only odor I want in my tote.
6. Sprays
While in the process of getting dressed, I make it a practice to spray down with a scent reduction spray. Depending on the time of year, it may mean spraying down between several layers. If temperatures are near or below freezing, I try to mist and not over spray my clothing.
My personal choice is Dead Down Wind Field Spray, but again, most hunters have a particular product they feel works extremely well.
7. Carbon
When hunting in warm weather, scent control can seem almost impossible. You hardly get to the treestand and your sweating like a 15-year old on his first date. Because of this I like to use Carbon Synergy in the early season.
Carbon Synergy is a blend of activated carbon and anti-microbial silver that can be applied directly to your body, sprayed on your clothing or you can dip your clothing in a water/Carbon Synergy mix and allow to hang dry.
This product is not for everyone. It is black and leaves everything it touches darker in color. But, if you want a product that works—this is it.
Before putting on my hunting clothes, I like to apply a thin layer of Carbon Synergy to my entire body. It is a little messy, but it works. Especially in areas that are prone to high levels of perspiration Carbon Synergy has made a big difference.
Now, before you think I’m crazy, last year while hunting from the ground I had a doe come from directly downwind and walk three yards from me. Say what you want to, I’m a believer in Carbon Synergy and have made it a regular part of scent control.
I also ‘dust’ the inside of my Muck Boots with Carbon Synergy. This product removes smell like nothing else. But, if you don’t like getting a little black, don’t try it. If you like getting close to dear, use it. Plus, it is very affordable and a little goes a long way.
8. Boots
It seems one of the most overlooked pieces of gear when it comes to scent control is boots. It will do little good to spend time on soaps and sprays if your boots are tracking unwanted scent all the way to your stand.
Your boots can hold scent for weeks, even months. Especially if you walk in any type of petroleum based product. To prevent leaving a scent trail to and from your stand, make sure you only wear your hunting boots in between your truck and the stand.
I like to store my boots in a scent free bag. And I don’t wear them for any other reason but to hunt in. The last thing I want to do is track the smell of a gas station, restaurant, or my truck’s floorboard into where I am hunting.
9. Pack
My hunting pack is also stored in a scent free container. Since it goes with me to the tree, I make sure it is as scent free as possible. My normal practice is to spray the pack with Dead Down Wind’s Field Spray before and after each use.
If I place anything in my pack, such as food or otherwise, it will be placed in a Ziploc bag. This also helps to reduce any foreign odors while I’m in the treestand.
I also take a small bottle of scent elimination spray in my pack and will spray down a second time when I get into my tree. If it is a hot day and I have been in the tree for some time, I will be sure to regularly spray my head, hands and hat with the Field Spray.
10. Bow
Don’t forget how much odor can come from a bow. Our bow should also be included in this list. I use unscented wet wipes or Dead Down Wind’s Field Wipes to wipe down my bow grip, arrows or any other areas that might have a human odor.
I also try to use scent free string wax or lube in an attempt to limit any foreign odor. Again, will this one small detail make a difference? Maybe not! But, adding all these details together can only help lower my impact within the given area I am hunting.
Summary
It may seem like a lot of work to some, but once you get in the mindset of following the same scent control regimen each time you head to the stand, these scent control tips will become second nature.
As has been said many times before, the most important aspect of scent control is to make sure the wind is in your favor and to have hung your stand with that thought in mind. If you have any additional scent control tips, I’d enjoy hearing from you.
Best of luck this season!
