Deer Scents and How to Use Them

Deer Scents and How to Use Them

By Jessica Graham

Eliminating Human Scent
The foundation of scent control lies in minimizing your human odor. This starts with meticulous hygiene. Showering with scent-free soap, washing your hunting clothes in scent-free detergent, and avoiding scented products are essential steps. In our house, we use scent-free detergent all year round to keep our washing machine as scent-free as possible. Scent sprays and wipes neutralize human odors on clothing, gear, and exposed skin. Apply them liberally before and during your hunt. I will often throw some spray or wipes in my pack, especially early season. There is nothing worse than sweating on your way to the stand. Some guys and gals use ozone in the stand or before and after the hunt to get rid of scent. If you do, that’s up to you. If not, be sure to at least store hunting clothes and gear in airtight containers to prevent odor absorption.

As we walk through the woods, we leave behind a trail of human odor. Rubber boots can help minimize this impact, as they shed water and dirt more readily than fabric footwear. Additionally, using scent-eliminating sprays on your boots can provide an extra layer of protection. These products help immensely, but completely eliminating human scent isn’t possible since we are constantly breathing, perspiring and moving. Even with the most meticulous precautions, residual odors can linger. That’s why playing the wind is essential.

Ultimately, scent control is a combination of product usage, personal hygiene, and strategic planning. By understanding how deer perceive scent and taking proactive measures to minimize your odor, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt.

Quality Over Quantity
Choosing the right scent can be a game-changer in deer hunting. The key lies in understanding the nuances of deer behavior and selecting products that mimic natural scents.

Not all deer scents are created equal. I prefer investing in high-quality, fresh products from reputable manufacturers. Real urine, when properly stored and handled, can be highly effective, however you have to refrigerate and store it well.

There are some good synthetic options like VS1, Code Blue, and Tink’s offer convenience and consistency. Remember, the goal is to create a realistic scent profile that attracts deer without alarming them. The worst thing you can do is get some “bad” scent, and spook a deer. If you see this happen, get rid of it and get some new, fresh scent.

Understanding Scent Types
Different scents serve different purposes. Buck lures, featuring tarsal gland or dominant buck scents, can be effective for stimulating territorial behavior and drawing in curious bucks. I like to use tarsal from October through late November. Doe estrus scents are essential for the rut, mimicking the pheromones of a receptive doe. However, it’s important to use these scents strategically and avoid overusing them.

The effectiveness of a scent depends on the timing of the season. Early season buck lures can generate excitement and establish dominance, while doe estrus scents become more potent as the rut approaches. Experiment with different scents throughout the season to determine what works best in your area.

How you apply scent can significantly impact its effectiveness. Drag lines can create a scent trail, while placing scent on scrapes or licking branches can simulate natural deer behavior. There are some products that you can bury with a wick that will keep a scrape scented. If you get it to work 15 -20% of the time, it’s a success. You have to catch a buck at the right time, in the right mood. Keep in mind, every time you use estrus, or any scent, it won’t bring in a parade of trophy bucks past your stand. You have to catch the right buck at the right time. You also might lure in the small spikes and basket racked deer. However, when it works and your target buck comes in, that makes all the work worth it!

The Power of Cover Scents
While eliminating human scent is crucial, introducing deer-related scents can be equally effective. Cover scents, such as Ever Calm, can mask your human odor and provide a sense of security for deer. These scents mimic the natural environment, helping to reduce deer anxiety and increase their willingness to explore the area. I know a lot of guys that love ever calm. I’ve used it and had deer bed under my stand, it’s just another tool you can choose to use or not use.

For cover scents, I really like the dirt wafers. You can hang them or pin them to your clothing. This has helped slightly cover your scent. If I’m hunting in an area with cedars, I’ll clip a couple of branches and while I’m in the stand, crush the needles and sap. There have been times when deer have come in downwind, started to smell me and my cover scent. They weren’t really sure what they were smelling (as I was masked enough), and so they stuck around a few more seconds rather than bolting. Having deer come in upwind is always preferable, but having some cover scent will help mask your presence and could give you a chance at a shot.

Wind Direction
By positioning yourself downwind of potential deer travel corridors, food, and bedding, you increase your chances of remaining undetected. However, mature bucks are often adept at using the wind to their advantage. As Aaron McKinney has noticed, they will walk with a cross wind in their face. This may bring their travel into a shooting lane, or they might bust you. Try your best to be down wind of where the deer typically are.

One thing I’ve tried and had a lot of luck is placing a cover scent or a deer scent about 30 yards downwind. Deer will often smell the cover scent, estrus, or tarsal gland before me. This has given me a little forgiveness when the wind changes and has allowed me to shoot several does and even some bucks.

Strategic Scent Deployment
Timing and placement are key when using deer lures. Early season buck lures can entice mature bucks to investigate scrapes and rubs. During the rut, doe estrus scents can be highly effective in attracting both bucks and does. However, it’s important to use scents strategically and avoid overusing them.

Mock scrapes can be an effective tool for attracting deer, especially when combined with scent lures. By creating artificial scrapes and strategically placing scent-impregnated wicks or rags, you can entice bucks to investigate and potentially expose themselves to your shooting lanes.

Use It Wisely
Remember, deer are highly adaptable and can quickly learn to associate certain scents with danger. It’s essential to monitor your hunting area and adjust your scent strategies accordingly. By combining scent elimination, cover scents, and strategic placement, you can leverage them to help your chances of success. Remember, patience and observation are key.