I've been doing my scouting and now I'm trying to prep for where to put my stands and identifying different routes. I always wash my stuff in baking soda and wait to put it on until I'm out there but I was wondering if it's possible to leave a scent while I'm walking in to hunt?
It's impossible not to leave a scent when walking in to hunt or when going out to scout. I'm not concerned with scent when scouting or checking cams as I've had deer a cam like an hour after being out there. For hunting I think it's best to try to be as scent free as possible and most importantly use the wind to your advantage.
Rubber boots will help cut down on scent when walking in but if your breathing, sweating or touching anything with hands or clothing your leaving some scent. Scent free is a fantasy. Also pay attention to your entry route to your stand. For instance I may take a long way in to a stand if it means I'm not walking through a funnel or travel route I expect deer to be using. I also wear the minimum when going in to cut down on sweat.
I find it near impossible not to sweat, especially in early season bow when temps can be higher. On public land carrying your gear and hiking in a ways sometime by the time I'm all set up I'll be dripping sweat. Is this uncommon, any advice? Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I've walked in with nothing but base layers and a couple times with only boxer shorts and t shirt and boots. Don't get dressed until on stand and cooled off as much as possible. DDW makes some wet wipes you can wipe yourself clean with and they help you cool off. The only thing is bugs might eat you with all the exposed skin. Along with sweat the deer can really pick up your dander. It's a good idea to shower then lather down with scent free lotion to help with any dry skin that may flake off. Sounds like overkill I know but it does make for a more comfortable hunt overall. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I gotta agree with AAA, go in as light as possible then dress in the stand. Another trick you can do to cool off quick is carry out baggies with ice cubes then once your set up rub them on the inside of your wrists, back of your neck and knees and on your ankles. It cools off the blood as it circulates back and as a bonus you'll have a little extra water. Sucking on one will also help cool you down.
Great advice! I do the same., I even do this in the late season, freeze my arse off in boxers and a tshirt on the walk in, and get dressed at the base of the tree. I stay warm and dry all day long.
Joe, maybe that's why you didn't see deer last year....they were laughing to hard at you in your spider man boxers and sponge bob tee shirt!
Personally I don't think it is a huge issue as myself and others are on the main trails all year long so our scent is something normal on them. That being, I still try to minimize it when hunting. I do the normal washing clothes scent free, spraying down before walking in, wearing minimal clothing on the way in. If I find some good animal droppings I will walk through them. During the earlier season this year, I am going to use some of the cooling towels (frogg togg) as I head into the woods to help me keep from sweating.
No matter what one does, you will always leave some scent behind from something. Just do your diligence and keep it to a minimum.
Your stand can be in an excellent spot, but if your access to it sucks you might never kill a deer there. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Don't forget it depends on if you're hunting doe vs. buck, mature buck vs. anything with antlers, deep woods vs. farm. vs suburbs. Deer that see/hear/smell a lot of people will not be too spooked by your scent. That 10 pointer in your parents 80 acres might get spooked by your clothes rubbing on brush on your way in. May or may not alter his travel patterns.
