When to put out scent

[Sergeant Slabber]

I usually go out to my stand and hang up my scent sticks Friday afternoon. Is that the right thing to do, or should I be waiting until Saturday morning to do this?

[buckhunter21]

I would wait until you actually go out hunting. I would stay out of the area until your ready to hunt otherwise your just leaving more human scent behind and risking bumping deer out of the area.

[iceman16]

also if the buck get the scent from your sticks and doesnt find the doe or buck that he smells he might stay away from the area. i would even take them down when your done if you can.

iceman

[Musky Buck]

Agree buckhunter. My ? to Sarge would be how many deer do you feel you've taken where scent was the reason they came or whatever ? I would steer clear of where you hunt. You get that mature buck to alarmed and he'll leave danger scent and likely not come to that area again, more than likely someone else's meat pole. I think with scent you really need to catch them with it at the right time for them ex. inbetween doe's or trying to scent a scrape. Personal experience is I've dropped 24 MN bucks and none by use of scent except for that of a hot doe. I think by rifle opener they have bred or have smelled the fresh estrous of a doe. In areas of less doe's around I think it could work best, good luck with it.

[Odonata]

I have used scent and have had success. I had a doe put her nose into the base of a tree where I had placed a canister once, have had bucks turn and come back down a scent line, and have had deer come in too early because the scent is out before shooting light. It works, but I also feel it's another marketing ploy. I will buy scent this year however.

I don't buy scent wicks, they cost too much. I also have taken the bladder out of a doe on occassion or used tarsal glands from bucks.

Good luck!

[Dahitman44]

what about active scrape stuff - -does that work?

[Archerysniper]

Had a buck follow a scent trail like a bird dog on sat morning also had one knock the scent canister out of the tree in the dark that morning I never leave the scents out over night and store the in a zipplock bag till I use them again.

[Sergeant Slabber]

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah, it does make sense to hold off until the morning of the actual hunt. I have taken bucks in the past that are following the scent trail. I believe that it can only help. To me it's better to have the deer smell that than smell me. Good luck to all and be safe!!