ive been reading the site for some time, its great. but i have been hunting since i was a kid and now that i have time i want to get into bow hunting for real. i have an old pearsons bow that i will hunt with until i get good enough to spend some money. but the question is this. i do not have the money to spend on new scent control clothing and everythign else that is need. i will be getting new arrows that is for sure. but to hide my scent i am thinking about using my lightweight camo i have and washing it with no scent detergent and buying a scent control travel bag to store and transport. i think i will get a scentblocker facemask to wear. along with this i no scent spray to cover my foul odors. Will this be adequate for gettign started until i can buy a peice at a time?? and also nevershot my bow from a treestand only flat ground. how will 12-15 foot elevation effect a 15-20 yards shot?? Thanks for the help and sorry for the longer post
As far as scent control goes, I think you should be fine with the measures you're intending on taking. I haven't used scentblocker suits in the 10 years I've hunted and I've done fine. I would definitely try and find somewhere that you can shoot from an angle though because the only way to get decent at shooting out of a treestand is to do it, and the last thing you want to do is injure a deer.
All the scentlock clothing is great, but not necessary. Don't worry about not being decked out with the best stuff. You'll be fine w/the precautions you are taking as long as you are mindful of the wind. Most stores with hunting equipment also sale odor neutrilizing sprays like Scent Killer that you can apply just before going into the woods. Those products work well also and are pretty cheap. A $10 bottle will last you several outings.
Don't fret over the scent control thing, you can hunt without all that stuff. The wind direction is free, you'll just have to pay attention to it more. Theoretically speaking, shooting from elevation won't do anything to your shot if you have proper form, but in your shoes I would certainly practice from elevation as much as you can, since you aren't very familiar with it. Remember to bend at the waist, don't just drop your arm. Also wear a harness.
You don't need carbon clothing. I don't use it. I would highly advise that you instead put your available $ into other equipment like a quality tree stand, bow, arrows, foot wear, etc. Keep your clothes clean as you mentioned and pay attention to the wind and you should be fine. The 12-15 ft of tree stand elevation won't affect your shot impact enough to notice. But, I would advise practicing from the tree as it will feel different to you. I draw my bow back level and then bend at the waist as I lower my aim to the target.
The biggest mistake people make In my opinion Is not shooting from a stand. In a few of your practice sessions you should simulate a real hunting scenario. What I mean by this Is get all of your camo on and shoot from the height you plan on hunting. Confidence breeds success, you'll have that when you've practiced like your hunting. Good luck!!
thanks i am glad that scent control is not a necessity but yes i plan on using the sprays. As for the shooting from a tree stand, my hunting grounds are an hour and half away but i had planned on setting up the target and setting up a step ladder on the deck to give me the simulation of being elevated. i figured it will get me close to 10+ feet. thanks to all for the help. any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated too.
