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Hunting => Predator Hunting => Topic started by: Silencer on January 10, 2010, 05:05:09 PM

Title: use of cover scents
Post by: Silencer on January 10, 2010, 05:05:09 PM
how many u guys actually wash in the "stuff" and spray with the "stuff".. I'm curious.  I dont do any of it, I just keep my hunting clothing in a cedar chest. 

Do ya do it, and do ya really think it works ? 

Another thing, I'd love to make or come up with a blood scent, imo real blood which clots too easily, or a chemist that could make a real blood scent that they couldnt disect with that powerful sniffer would drive a critter wild. 
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Frogman on January 10, 2010, 05:14:01 PM
Silencer,

I usually try to shower with that scentless hunting soap before a hunt.  I also keep my hunting clothes in a large plastic tote box to keep them as scent free as possible.  I'm not sure if these efforts are worth it, haven't had much luck recently.  But, I figure it can't hurt!  I need all the advantages I can get.  I would like to hear how the rest of you guys try to control your scent.  Good thread and I'm looking forward to more responses!

Jim
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: pitw on January 10, 2010, 05:26:13 PM
I've been known to smoke at a stand but I don't recommend it. :biggrin:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: weedwalker on January 10, 2010, 05:29:54 PM
I wash my clothes in the hunting soap. Other than that about all I do is shower with Ivory soap (no perfume in it) and use unscented Mennen speed stick anti-persperant. :shrug:
I have once sprayed myself down with fox pee. I had a coyote circle me, then come straight upwind to meet my shotgun. It wasn't really too bad till the ride home. :puke:

Blood scents? Maybe try some catfish bait. :biggrin:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Yotehntr on January 10, 2010, 06:30:41 PM
 :shrug:   I try not to fart on stand...does this count as scent control?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: coyotehunter_1 on January 10, 2010, 06:54:04 PM
 ^^ :roflmao: @ Yotehntr ^^

Because it's nearly impossible to fool a coyote's nose, I don’t use cover scents or take any extra steps to control odors except maybe take a bath now and then.  :huh: :sick2:
I do try to choose stands where the wind is in my favor. I guess when a coyote jumps in your lap you know your doing something right. :eyebrownod: With certain scents you may be able to confuse them once in a while. From what I understand that's the theory behind misting. Call them in and try to overload their sense of smell. Hopefully it may keep them interested long enough to make the shot.

This formula was given to me by a good friend who is an avid deer hunter. He uses it mainly for deer but has found coyotes like it too. It’s not what I would consider a cover scent, more of an attractant.
You all are welcome to give it a try.  


“Critter Juice”
1oz. Pure Anise Extract
1oz. Pure Almond Extract
2oz. Pure Maple Flavor (Imitation will do)
1oz. Pure Vanilla Extract
1gal. Pure Distilled Water (No Chemicals)

Add all the ingredients, mixing well. Keep refrigerated in an air tight 1 gal. food grade plastic jug (I use the container the water came in). The concoction seems to work better if it has been made for a couple of weeks.  Pour whatever you will need for the day into small pump spray bottle. Then before entering the hunting area apply a small amount of the juice to the soles of your boots or a drag cloth. After arriving at your stand, give the area a few good sprays. Spraying nearby bushes as high off the ground as possible will help get the scent off the ground.  

It may or may not work for you but it sure smells a heck of lot better than fox or skunk pee.  :wink:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Jimmie in Ky on January 10, 2010, 07:20:32 PM
I just watch my setups very carefully and try to cover all the bases as best I can. Jimmie
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Okanagan on January 10, 2010, 09:37:02 PM
When I was bowhunting a lot, for awhile I did all that I could to eliminate scent.  This was before scent lock stuff (which I consider brilliant marketing and useless in the field).   I would wash my clothes from skin out in unscented soap and them put them in a sealed plastic bag loosely with either sage or pine, or both, depending on my next hunt.  I would shower immediately before the hunt, use unscented deodorant and wear clean clothes to my hunting spot.  Then I would get out of the vehicle and change from skin out into the natural scented hunting clothes from the plastic bag. Sometimes I would wash again on the spot.  Then I would  walk a short distance to a pre-selected stand without any sweat and call ASAP before my body built up much scent.  

After observing many coyotes I decided that for the first 15-20 minutes after all of that effort at eliminating scent, it MIGHT give me an extra second or maybe two seconds of time delay in a coyote hitting afterburner.  I never was 100% positive that it did any good.  A few coyotes did sort of a double take:   sniff and squint, start to leave and then pause for a second sniff and squint.  I don't think it fooled him but it confused or delayed the reaction of a few, such as a few straight downwind at 12 feet, etc.  

However, without taking scent precautions I have called coyotes inside of 18 inches, easily within touching distance.

My conclusion:  use the wind to my advantage and don't bother much about trying to control or minimize my own scent.  Tim Horton's coffee and their breakfast sausage biscuit is too good to let predator calling make me keep it off my breath!

Added:  re cover scents, once in awhile when calling buck deer of all three main kinds, I have put doe in heat scent on a cotton ball, stuck that in a split stick end and thrown one as far as I can to each side of me cross wind.  My intent is to have the approaching buck hit that scent before he is downwind of me and hits my scent.  I've done that a bit with cougars also and have no idea if it does any good with either deer or cats.  I have not bothered to do that with coyotes but I don't call them much any more.


Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: KySongDog on January 11, 2010, 07:02:02 AM
Years ago I got fanatical about scent control.  Then finally came to the conclusion it doesn't do much good.  I just watch the wind and if deer hunting I wear rubber boots to my stand and try to avoid brushing up against anything going in if possible. 
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Silencer on January 11, 2010, 03:13:26 PM
QuoteMy conclusion:  use the wind to my advantage and don't bother much about trying to control or minimize my own scent.  Tim Horton's coffee and their breakfast sausage biscuit is too good to let predator calling make me keep it off my breath!

that's pretty much what i'd thought, I just wanted to hear it from you guys that wack em.
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Im part coyote on January 18, 2010, 08:23:39 PM
I use cover scents everytime but if you play the wind right with your setup you dont have to worry about it.I use scent away and sent killer both oderless.
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: FinsnFur on January 18, 2010, 08:26:16 PM
Yeah but your part coyote, that aint, I say that aint fair. :nono:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: coyote101 on January 18, 2010, 08:32:11 PM
Quote from: Frogman on January 10, 2010, 05:14:01 PM
I usually try to shower with that scentless hunting soap before a hunt.  I also keep my hunting clothes in a large plastic tote box to keep them as scent free as possible.  I'm not sure if these efforts are worth it, haven't had much luck recently.  But, I figure it can't hurt!  I need all the advantages I can get. 

I'm with Frogman on this. I don't know if it helps but, I figure it can't hurt.

Pat
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: CCP on January 18, 2010, 08:36:11 PM
QuoteYears ago I got fanatical about scent control.  Then finally came to the conclusion it doesn't do much good.  I just watch the wind and if deer hunting I wear rubber boots to my stand and try to avoid brushing up against anything going in if possible.

+1
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Palegroe on January 18, 2010, 08:47:20 PM
I try to go hunting with someone that smells worse than me does that count?  :wo:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: weedwalker on January 18, 2010, 08:52:47 PM
Palegroe, Ain't you been huntin' with Jeremy lately?  :innocentwhistle:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: topdawg on January 18, 2010, 08:56:52 PM
easy trigger   :shrug:  :roflmao:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: Palegroe on January 18, 2010, 08:58:02 PM
The cats and dogs have been running right in on us   :shrug: :innocentwhistle:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: HaMeR on January 18, 2010, 08:58:18 PM
I just wear scent blocker clothing. I need all the help I can get!!  :laf: :laf:
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: JohnP on January 19, 2010, 10:38:58 AM
I just pay attention to the wind best I can.  I have seen to many drug dogs working, if the drug dealers can't fool them I don't think we can fool a coyote. 
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: msmith on January 19, 2010, 03:21:41 PM
I do have the maid (read wife) wash my hunting stuff in some kind of no scent soap just to keep the UV away. As far as being scent free...I tried that, and keeping your clothes in special bags, changing in the field, swapping clothes when you sweat, spraying yourself down with scent killer, etc.. Well, it got to be too much hassle, so I quit it. I don't know if it helped or hurt as I am NOT whatcha call a great hunter. I just have fun.
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: SCcoyotehunter on January 19, 2010, 07:01:47 PM
I shower and wash my clothes in scent away detergent and keep them in a tote container in my car. When going to the woods I only wear jogging shorts or pants and a t-shirt. after parking I change into hunting clothes and rubber bottom boots. I wear different shoes driving to and from my hunting area, never know when you have to get gas or something. I don't risk anything.
Before entering the woods I spray down wih scent eliminator and then always check my wind.
It may or may not help, but I still take very precaution I can to be successful. I don't believe you can completely eliminate your scent but you it doesn't hurt to take a few extra steps to try.
Title: Re: use of cover scents
Post by: GunDog on January 19, 2010, 09:17:31 PM
I try and stay as fresh as I can without going through extremes. I'm not going to the woods in my underwear - then unpack and change into something warmer, grin. I always hunt the wind in my favor, BUT - it don't always work out the way I planned it either.  :wink: 

OH - I'm not on anyones Pro Staff anymore so I really can't tell you if it helps or not ...  :nono: