Hey folks,
I have a dilemma. I have a full set of scentlok clothing that has never been used, but I did not realize that this was a no-no with the crowd.So, I'm debating whether or not I should just use it this season and buy new clothes next year, or try to push the budget and get non-scentlok clothes yet this year. Does it really make that much of a difference? (I hunt from the ground)
Thanks for your input.
If you have it use it, why spend money you dont have to. Please bring me up to date here. Why is it a no no with the crowd, and what crowd?
Thanks John
Agree with dank. If you have it use it. Who cares what the crowd says. dino
Not a "no-no" with me. Why would you think it is not acceptable here?
Not a no-no with me, I use Scent Lok clothing religously.
But bear in mind I'm as "Trad" as I wanna be... :thumbsup:
You have to do whats best for you. Do you really care what someone else thinks about your choice of clothing? I really hope not!! I say wear it and wear it proudly. You bought it for a reason so don't let what some one else thinks persuade you to change your mind on what you wear into the woods.
Sorry, I'll explain. I read in last month's TB mag, a letter to the editor that stated he expected to never see an ad for the stuff. Impression lended was that it gave you an unfair advantage. First of all, with me at the helm, the deer have ALL the advantage. But as I am somewhat new to this, I wanted to be as ethical as possible. But my wife bought it, and I hate to buy another set of stuff with the opener 3 weeks away.
Tell you what, I have some ol ratty wranglers I dyed the same color as the grass I hunt in out west, some ol shirts with holes all them my ol hat that I,ve had for 25 years, I don,t want to very bad where as I got all this stuff broke in,but if you would go straight across I might consider tradin, I wouldn,t want you to get into any kind of trouble. PS I would feel better about the trade if you would throw in about 20 or 30 bucks. Have fun FERGI
Fergi,
While your offer is most fair, you must realize I hunt in Minnesota, where the snow flies almost as regular as the bugs. So, you would have to throw in a union suit at least as stealthy! Serioulsy, I see now that I can't take all that is in print as the law. You guys are great.
"I read in last month's TB mag, a letter to the editor that stated he expected to never see an ad for the stuff. Impression lended was that it gave you an unfair advantage"
I dont use the stuff and never will , BUT I dont care if anyone else uses it ....... heck we all have the right to waste our money however we choose !!!!!!
But ....... if scent lok really did eliminate ALL human scent ( someday we might just see this_) ......... wouldnt it really be an unfair advantage????? .............. IMHO ...... it would be ........ :bigsmyl:
QuoteOriginally posted by Tagabuck:
Impression lended was that it gave you an unfair advantage. First of all, with me at the helm, the deer have ALL the advantage. But as I am somewhat new to this, I wanted to be as ethical as possible.
I use it and think it helps......but trust me, it ain't THAT good! Nowhere close to giving you an unethical advantage. The use of unscented soaps and shampoo is much more valuable IMO.
Take all internet posts and mag letters to the editor regarding ethics with a grain of salt. Plus, ask yourself, "Am I doing this for others, or for me?"
Are you hunting just to please the crowd? I didn't think so... I have used the military chemical suits when they fist came out, i thought they worked o.k. but out grew them, I've used the scent-away spray since then too. It works and a bottle will last a long time at only a couple of dollars a bottle, its worth it. I also bought some of the scent-lock camo last year and i'll wear it till it wears out. I couldn't tell where it helped that much but its comfy. What you hunt with is up to you, not others. If you feel uncomfortable with it then don't use it, I havn't heard anybody say anything neg about it yet. Even if i do it won't make up my mind for me, be a free thinker and try the scent-lock you might like it, then again you might not...
What's between your ears is the only thing that give's us an advantage "unethical", ethical or otherwise. You don't want to leave that at home. So whatever else you feel confident in using is perfectly fine.
Unfair advantage over who? I never realised hunting was a competition. ;)
No-no with what crowd? I can't see any advantage to scentlok, so I don't buy it. THat doesn't mean I am going to ride roughshod over someone who does.
It's a weak argument that cannot stand a difference of opinion.
Wear the scent lok. You already own it; so for sure use it. You will get alot of opinions regarding it's effective use. My experience is that it for sure helps. Helps if you set up correctly, start retentive clean and stay that way. ALWAYS wear the head cover, without it you might as well not wear any scent lok.
I have not had a deer (that I could see) smell me in over three seasons. From Missouri to Arkansas and Kansas not one has busted on me. My advice is to try it and see what happens. Or maybe it's the chlorophyll tables I take.. LOL
All I know for sure is that something I've been doing is working.
In Trad Archery,
John III
Use what you like and forget what others are saying. Asd long as it's legal...it's your choice.
Claudia
"Unfair advantage over who? I never realised hunting was a competition. "
an unfair advantage over the deer ....... maybe ...... ???? .......... it IS a predator /prey competion
Tagabuck, the subject of scentlock has come up on here, with opinions of "does it work?" and some folks feel insulted by the "forget the wind, and just hunt" marketing hype.
I'm not sure it's worth the money, but my wife bought most of my hunting stuff (!), and she thought it was a "good thing".
Also, the person that wrote the editorial letter that you mentioned, was also against bows with metal risers.
I guess if you are not dressed like him, with the bow he is using, you don't meet his standard.
That is just plain his problem, not mine.
Enjoy the gear you have!
Thanks,
Rich
tagabuck, you are some lucky dude to have a wife that will buy you those.
if my wife bought me anything i would wear them till they fell off and then i would tell her what a lucky guy i was.
WEAR EM
Thanks to everyone for their opinion. Your answers make good sense, I'm doing this only for myself. I don't wish to waste anyones time with my life story, but my decision to hunt traditional has cost me both friend and family.
Coming from a dedicated, and hard drinking strict firearm group, my decisions cost me my best friend of 23 years, and my father who sided against me in favor of his 4th wife. So I hunt alone, and only by this method. I asked the original question only because I wish to do this the right way. It's somewhat unusual and refreshing to get non-opinionated feedback. Your a good group of people, and I find myself proud to hunt with ya'll.
The only thing that equals ethical is a clean kill!
In my opinion...if you are having fun, following local hunting regulations and respect the game you hunt by humanely harvesting the animal, then thumbs up!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
-Charlie (buckeye_hunter)
Tagabuck,
Incidentally, I am forsaking many high tech gadgets myself this hunting season.
My reason... strictly because I want to see if I am good enough to hunt with a stick and string only. I will wear camo, but shoot... even some native americans dressed like deer while hunting them to gain an advantage. Wouldn't try that now-a-days!! :bigsmyl:
Charlie (buckeye_hunter)
Tagabuck..what part of Minnesota are you in? Lots of Tradgangers in Minn you may be able to meet up with so you don't have to hunt by yourself if you you don't want to.
I am about as far to one side when it comes to hunting with "trad" equipment as can be, but I do that because that's how "I" choose to do it. I don't ask that anyone else do it the way I do it (other than some good natured ribbing with friends). Each man must decide what is right for him
Here are the questions I ask myself before using doing/anything
(1) Is it legal?
(2) Do I feel it's fair?
(3) Can I repect myself after I have done this?
(3) Will it look unfavorably on me or others who might be accosciated with me?
(5) Would I tell my mom I am doing it? (don't laugh, I respected my moms opinions and ethics about most everything in life. For mom there was very little gray area, it was either right/fair or wrong/unfair)
(6) Will my buddies make fun of me for doing it?(well, that happens a lot but it IS last on the list therefore carries the least weight with my decisions ha ha)
let Tagabuck decide if it's right for Tagabuck, and then live with that decision.
FWIW I think the main value of most camo and scent loc camo in particular is the confidence it gives the guy wearing it. I don't think it works much to disguise you from game animals or to keep a deer from smelling you but if you think it does, that's all that matters.
All I can say is that "I can't smell the deer any better with the scentloc on"! :D
I never knew there was such a thing as a "Traditional Bowhunter" I know of bowhunters that use what some call traditional archery gear. I use game cameras,cell phones,gps,computer maps,4x4 truck, a nice warm camp, calls, scents, handwarmers,treestands,gortex clothes,decoy and a recurve with wooden arrows but not a scent-loc suit I have to draw the line there. LOL Just kidding but you know if I thought it really worked 100%I don't think I would use one,but hey thats just me.
I personally am not a fan of the stuff, the science just doesnt add up if you ask me but thats another story. For my money Ill take care to be as scent free as possible and use the wind to my advantage.
This does bring up a good question though, at what point do you cross the line? I mean this is a "Traditional" archery site is it not? Does that just refer to the bow or does it refer to all the equipment we use? Personally I love leafy wear, you know the stuff with the leaves that flap in the wind. I could probably find some historical reference to using such camo but with all the new hi tech materials I doubt I could convince everyone that it was "Traditional" garb. Bottom line I like it and I use it and yes I believe it does give me an advantage. So does having thumbs but Im not giving them up either.
Honestly in my opinion you dont really have a dilema, if you like the stuff use it. If it gives you more confidence then again I say use it. Trust me you wont be so scent free that you can completely fool a deers nose anyhow.
Not sure what the policy here is on linking to non-commercial sites, but here is some intersting reading on activated charcoal clothing in general...
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/nwrc/is/02pubs/shiv024.pdf
You can google up a million opinions, but I haven't seen any science yet that supports the stuff.
It realy hits a nerve when I hear things like this. What gives a person the Right to decide what's right for you?... Use and enjoy it. your choice.
I'll be wearing mine this year so why shouldn't you.
hey if it realy bugs ya just rub some deer poo on ya self then they wont smell ya at all they will think another deer has had a dump. look just wear what ya like if it works way to go if it dont crap happens better luck next time. :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Jeff,
Don't know if you were allowed to put up the link, but thanks. It made for some interesting reading.
-Charlie(buckeye_hunter)
Guess I am gonna wear mine too if Golden Hawk is,, Relax and enjoy you only get one ....
Use it! Don't let other men sit in judgment over you about things like this. Most of the Indians I've read about were happy to take any advantage they had when hunting including running animals off cliffs-heck some bought rifles from white guys so this "traditional movement" is really a modern "invention" that we do for fun and some take it way too seriously IMO.
If that bud is a true friend he will come around and support your decision, if not you just traded up to a great group of tradganger friends you haven't met yet! :thumbsup:
I use some scent blocker gear-I actually even have a scent blocker pack although I bought that for the design. Having been completely covered in scent lok though, I let go with some "windage" that still cleared out the truck! I mean it belonged in a zoo! :biglaugh: So I personally don't believe that it works but I definitely am going to wear what I have until it wears out or I do=more money saved to go hunting with if nothing else! :)
I just got my suit in the other day. The only thing that is unfair is that I had to wait this long to get it!
I'll have mine on each time i head to the woods, same way i have for many years. Mickey and Rabbitman give me a hard time about wearing it but that might be because they don't like having to help drag.
:clapper: Good one!
(I'll help you drag one out anytime buddy, no matter what your wearing)
I wear Scent Blocker 3D Leafy Wear, been wearing it since it came out, it's great camo. I've had deer that shoulda smelled me, not smell me, also deer that I didn't think shoulda, have busted me. I truly don't know how well it works, but I'm not gonna quit wearing it because somebody else doesn't like it. Don't get yourself caught up in other people's opinions, " to thy own self be true".
Use what you have. And if you choose not to where it, then where something real traditional, like jeans and a shirt. Then shoot the biggest deer in the bunch.
Hunting is a "You" sport. Do what makes YOU happy. Others will accept that and respect you for it. If not, well then boo to them.
It is my opinion that all clothes give us an unfair advantage over the animals. Camo, scentlock, moisture wicking, bug repelling, etc.
That is why I have deceided to hunt naked this year! :biglaugh: It's only fair to the game.
:eek:
Plumbob;
You obviously don't live in southern Texas....
:biglaugh:
I can see where someone would think that being able to hide our scent from game would be unethical and "taking advantage".
Therefore I've decided to only shoot animals that come in from downwind this year and encourage everyone out there to do the same. ;)
As long as you hunt legal, you are my brother. :thumbsup: :archer:
I can't believe only one other person brought this up...
Your wife bought it!! If you don't wear it there's gotta be trouble on the way. She may never buy you anything else. Think of your future, man :knothead:
possum
Except for naked in Idaho guy!!! :scared:
A lot of years later, it still amazes me how wound up people get over "hunting":
tagabuck lost his best freind and his FATHER, over his decision to hunt "traditional"??
It's a crazy world out there... just put on the news.
Especially since the wife bought it for you-wear it!
I have used the stuff, and still have some in the closet; but as a ground hunter it does not breathe well enough for me compared to plain wool. No real idea if it works or not-but it produces lots of revenue for them that sells it.
I, personally don't and wouldn't wear scent bloc clothing. However, I could care less who else wears it. I don't hunt with wheels, but many of my friends do. I hunt traditional/primitive for me, not for anyone else. I don't expect anyone else hunt for me, they should hunt for themselves. If my wife knew what scent bloc was, then took the time and went to the effort to buy it, in my size, I would wear it, if for no other reason than to let her know that I appreciated the fact that she noticed and cared. Be who you are and be happy with who you are. Never, never let anyone else make that decision for you!!!!!
Heck, last hunting season when it was about 5 above zero...
I put adhesive chemicl warmers everyhere they would stick and stayed in the woods for 6 hours. Snug as a bug in a rug, never got cold. If someone said I was less of a hunter because of it...let them freeze. Same goes with sent loc..If you like it, use it.
-Charlie
I'll be using mine. I hunt for myself not to please others. Do what you feel is right. Sent lok is not some magic garment you still have to use the wind.
Scentlok = spentlots. :notworthy:
Go ahead and wear it. Who cares?
Some of those ads say "forget the wind, just hunt"..... Yeah right!
He can smell the wet in your eyes. He can smell your desire to kill him.
QuoteOriginally posted by Plumbob:
It is my opinion that all clothes give us an unfair advantage over the animals. Camo, scentlock, moisture wicking, bug repelling, etc.
That is why I have deceided to hunt naked this year! :biglaugh: It's only fair to the game.
Plumbob, with all due respect, please don't post any hunt pictures. :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Back on topic, I like Ferrets checklist. If you have the clothes wear them. I have never tried them, only because I think they are too expesive. My dad bought a set and likes them, although he tells me that they are far from an absolute. They help but do not replace commen sense and decent hunting skills. You still have to play the wind and such, it just helps give that extra bit when everything else comes together.
I remember when just being a bowhunter was an exclusive "club" (hate to use the term) and the ethics, morality, sportsmanship, & hunting ability was what we have now as the term "traditional", it's not about the clubs or the terms, it's about who we are and how we hunt. It's a heart thing. Forgot those who label and need the exclusive term tagged on their lives and just hunt.
We have for years before Scent Lok and Scent Blocker tried as hard as we could to cover, hide, or be scent free. USE IT! I don't, but if I had the opportunity why not!