I skuff around in the sheep's pen before I walk into the woods.      

I really do.

Have had a coyote follow my trail right to the tree I was in (just missed him when he went into turbo boost as I drew and klonked a limb on a limb).

 

I just keep as clean as I can.

QuoteOriginally posted by 2Blade:
Wow thanks for all the replies lots of good info here! I always play the wind no matter what I just like a scent on me for when I rub against brush or grass. I hunt alot of thick swamps and brush, it seemed to me I would be better off with some kind of scent on me rather then nothing at all?

I think if it gives you more confidence, then defintely go for it. Unless the scent is not found in your area, it sure can not hurt.

I shower using hunter specialties non scented soap, shampoo and conditioner; use deer in a herd cover scent and play the wind.  Ken

Wash clothes in baking soda,wash myself with unscented dove soap, use peroxide baking soda and distilled water mix as oder eliminator or reducer,play the wind and i boil down pine needles and other plants and tree leaves, strain them through a coffee filte (or chees cloth) and put in a spray bottle and spray myself silly. Boiling pine needles(at least an hour with 6 cups water) and letting the water reduce down concentrates it. You would be amazed at how well it works. Ceder needles and broken up bows(2-3" pieces work great as well. And always add fallen leaves or bows(cedar or pine depending on area I hunt)to my clothes storage bin.

I wash all my clothes in non scented soap, then store them in a tight plastic container.  For a cover scent I spray my boots with vanilla right before I leave my vehicle.  Two days ago I had a mature doe cross in front of me at six yards, then walked directly into my scent stream.  We had a strong wind that day, and I thought this is going to be interesting when she hits the current.  She didn't have a clue that I was around, and remained very calm.

Yesterday I had a large 10 pt. buck cross in front of me at eight yards.  Unfortunately, it was ten minutes before shooting light and I had to let him pass.  After going by me he walked directly on the path that I took to the treestand and remained totally calm.  Obviously, we need to play the wind to our advantage, but there are times when the deer are going to get downwind of you.  In those cases I think a little help from a good cover scent doesn't hurt you.

I agree Bernie thats one of the reasons I always spray down. The wind switches constantly where I hunt due to the up and down terriain. It doesnt always work but I think it helps. My Dad use to get Natures Essence which worked good.

I tried vanilla this year and every deer that walked into the scent buggerd out of the country like a scalded dog...

I usually just wash in no scent soap (Me and my clothes)and forget the scent stuff until the rut gets up and running...Then James Valley gets my business...

Happy hunting,
Jason

I don't use anything for a cover scent, but after three times this Fall where a doe hit my foot trail and was stopped from coming farther, I started spraying a couple "spritzes" of Deer Dander on my shoe soles.

Ironically, in many more trips out since then, I've had some close encounters, but never ONE time, that a deer walked where I had to see its reaction!

Any time I have ever used James Valley scents or anything, it has been the same story.  I don't know if any of it works for me, because no deer has ever been where they might smell it!  Either no deer sighting that day, or they came in the "wrong" way...

None    If the wind's wrong you're probably screwed any how.

I use a combination of Housecat and Cheap Coffee.  Seems to work alright.

Essence of Cow Paddy applied to boots.  Play the wind for certain.

I try to wash my hunting clothes in scent free detergent and I always air dry them, then keep them away from my other clothes.

I shower with no soap before going on the hunt, put on a scent free deodorant and that's it; I've found this helps a great deal, and first learned it from hikers long ago as a way to avoid mosquitos.  Mosquitos are a great indicator of whether you have a strong smell or not -- contrary to popular belief, they id targets by smell first then by heat (not by heat alone).  If you don't sit all day, always try to wash up before going back out (I find I start to sweat and smell by the afternoon if I don't, and the mosquitos attack); I find it works really well for me.

Ivory Soap and sagebrush.