You might love your favorite laundry detergent. As some commercials suggest, the smell might even make you dance! When you wear clothing washed in that stuff when hunting, the odds of a successful experience decline dramatically.
Most animals run the other way when they detect human scent. During the hunting season, everyone is on high alert. Your room for error is limited.
That’s why using a scent-free detergent is an essential first step. Here are the other measures you can take to disguise the fact that you’re waiting to strike
Best Tips to Follow to Hide Your Scent
1. Dry Clothing Outside
Instead of drying your hunting clothes in a dryer, put them on a clothesline outside. If you don’t have that resource, draping it over the back of a chair is better than nothing. When this option is 100% unavailable, get rid of any fabric softener bars and anti-static sheets that could make your scent detectable.
2. Upgrade Your Soap
Hunters walk a fine line with their hygiene when sitting in the woods. You can’t let your body odor dominate, but you’re also at risk of getting discovered by bathing in overly scented soaps and shampoos. These items should be scent-free whenever possible. You’ll even need to remember to brush your teeth.
3. Dress There
Instead of wearing your hunting apparel as you drive to your preferred location, get dressed after you arrive. If your hunting boots are on while you get gas, pick up breakfast, and stop for coffee, all of those scents will filter to the animals you’re tracking. Good luck trying to catch up to them!
Sweating causes more odors, which is another reason why getting dressed there is the best idea. If you perspire too much, you can lower your body temperature – and that issue creates another set of problems to manage.
4. Store Your Equipment Correctly
Where does your tree stand sit when you’re not hunting? Does your equipment have a dedicated spot in your garage? The problem with that storage method is that the items collect odors for up to a year. Every movement, touch, and exposure to vehicular exhaust creates a scent trigger that gives you away. You’ll need to store it in an airtight container away from anything that could come into contact with it to reduce your risks.
5. Hunt at the Right Time
Most hunters head out on the first day of the season when everyone wants to fill their tags quickly. It is sometimes better to wait for more appropriate weather conditions. Although a scent elimination spray is helpful, it won’t help you recover from poor decisions. Wait until the wind is in your favor to get outside.
When you have a scent elimination spray to use at home, treat your clothing and boots the day before to maximize your results. Once you’ve applied the product, return the materials to their container to give yourself the best chance at a successful hunting day.
