Has anyone used vanilla as a curiousity scent for deer hunting? I was thinking of using some on cotton balls this Saturday near my deer blind. Any opinions on this tactic?
Bob.
For younger deer new scents can arouse curiosity. Mature deer can be put on high alert by unusual scents. So it all depends on the age of animal you are targeting. Of course there are always exceptions.
I know of guys who use it. they soak the cotten balls and then hang them just off the deer trail. They claim that some deer will step off the trail to check them out. This allows for a brief momnet when the deer will be standing still and a possible shot opportunity .
I haven't tried it myself so I can only share what I have been told.
Pure vanilla extract is a very good gnat repellent. I have used it while fly fishing during gnat season. I do see a lot of deer when I am trout fishing -- it could be that they are reacting to the scent out of curiosity.
I have used vanilla a few times but never had a deer approach but it never spooked a deer either. Pat
I know a guy that took some vanilla extract with him every time he went to put out corn,apples or whatever to feed the deer. He did that for a couple months before season opened. Then on opening day he just put some vanilla extract out and killed a nice 8 point. kinda cheating, but it didnt bother him. lol
I have killed quite a few deer in the early bow season using Dan Fitzgerald's Vanilla Killa... I would suggest trying it out.
I have used Fitzgerald's VK with good results.
I diluted some once and used it in a spray bottle to see if it would work on hogs, I sat not more than a half hour when a deer came in behind me and spooked at my movement. I am not sure if it was a doe or buck but it was large. I intend to try it again soon
Fresh apple cider is a better scent IMO.
I have used vanilla in the late season (January) with sucess.
I hunted with some guys in SC more than 20 years ago who used vanilla extract as a cover scent. They claimed it worked, and it sure smells better than rut scents!
For years I have used Pete Rickard's Original Indian Buck Lure.It worked GREAT!!!!! Except for one thing.....EVERY deer that came in,came in directly HEAD ON!!!!! Close enough to touch but never giving me a decent shot.
A few years ago a very good friend and fellow TradGanger Joe Skipp suggested that I try some of the "Cover-Up" cover scents that he carries in his shop.They smell like a mixture of vanilla and natural scents like Earth,Cedar,Pine,etc.
They are very effective at masking human scent. I spray my clothes down 2-3 times each season.It works for me!!!!! :thumbsup:
I used "Cover UP" for years (mid 80's)with great results. I didn't think that product was still being made.
I will say that I have went to a no scent is the best scent strategy.
Watch the wind.
John III
I remember using Cover Up! I never thought I would hear of it again. I don't remember an isolated instance of a deer being attracted to the scent but I did see deer. Of course back then I wasn't much of a bow hunter. Man I kinda miss it! Just like smelling WD-40 on a crisp fall afternoon. Somethings just bring back memories of those exciting days when I'd go afield with my dad and grandad. Thanks John :thumbsup:
Vanilla Killa is what I use and it works pretty good. Had a mature doe follow my footprints right to my stand . I should have turned and made a loop before going to my stand. I now also carry a baseball bat as I almost got mugged by two coons one morning going to my stand . Good luck Drew