I’ve been developing the plan in my head for some serious ground work this coming off season. Cutting new access to the back portion of the property, food plots, hanging new stands, moving old stands, all that kind of thing. As far as access paths go, I saw a couple videos on YouTube that make a huge deal out of spooking deer won the way into a stand. Which I totally understand. The problem arises with not having a different way to get back there without going on property that we don’t have permission on. My question is, how far does human scent actually travel at ground level? Decent scent control regiment, neoprene/rubber boots, all that, how far does scent actually go in a normal wind? 5-7 mph
I have no idea. But I think if you cut some paths say now through early spring and then cut em back again in say, early september it will make a difference in your hunting. the deer will use them as well. I don't think there is a way to not leave your scent behind. but I think you can diminish it enough to be successful
I'd walk the VERY edge of my property if truly no other way to access a section. I'm talking right inside the line and if woods, I'm probably falling/hinging over trees parallel with this trail to make it more of a chute than what a deer would want to use. Now I'm leaving openings for deer to cut perpendicular into the property but I want my line of travel to not be something I'm asking the deer to cross and overlook at all.
Good advice here. Scent will travel a long distance. For instance, cigarette smoke can be detected up to a mile away. Anything to eliminate scent is a plus. My father always said the only dumb/stupid question was the one not asked. We all learn by asking.
I had a deer wind me yesterday at 200+ yds. I have the same problem at one of the properties I hunt. Access is tough.
Here’s what the property looks like just for reference. Ravines and whatnot make it so we can’t just go straight back.
This is the basic idea. red is the path that exists, yellow is the new path that I’m wanting to cub to get access wit he a different wind, green is the planned and potential food plots.
Would planting a screen, like Egyptian wheat or something like that, help with the scent spread at all?
probably not. Based on your path above and assuming you hunt here in IL, your predominant winds in the fall would be S/SW/W/NW which is basically parallel or at best cross wind to your path. I think cutting a path so you can slip in fast and quiet is your best bet. If you are practicing the scent control you say it's about the best you can do. FWIW, I have had many, many deer including squirrely old does and mature bucks cut across my foot path and never skipped a beat when I am wearing rubber boots. Heck, they will come up the same path I took in. Leather boots, not so much.
I keep my clothes in a scent control duffel bag, and i spray off every time i go in. ive been using evercalm off and on for the past couple years too.
