You won’t have success with scent attractants without scent-elimination.
Back when he worked for Tink’s, hunting celebrity Terry Rohm was asked by the Realtree team what advice he would give to folks about using scents. His answer might surprise you: “The first thing to do is get rid of your own scent," he said.
It’s significant that when given a chance to plug the many fine Tink’s products, Rohm gave so much emphasis to eliminating human odor first. It also makes sense.
It doesn’t matter what else a deer smells, if it gets wind of a human, it will flee – and it will be more cautious the next time it travels that same area.
Gun hunters can sometimes get away with fewer scent precautions than bowhunters (don’t bet on it), but everyone should put human scent control above other scent-related issues.
Do the common-sense things:
* Regularly wash your hunting clothing in scent-free, UV-free, scent-eliminating detergent
* Keep your outer layers in airtight bags or containers, and wait to put them on until you head to your stand
* Take similar care with your hunting boots
* Use scent-killing soap and shampoo
* Consider a scent-adsorbing outfit
* Always set up downwind of your expected shot opportunity
* Think about your gear, and take action to eliminate scent on packs, stands and anything else you take to the woods
* Never underestimate the power of a deer’s nose.
Only after you have taken care of your own scent should you worry about using lures and attractants.
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