Scent or no scent?

[CrappieAttitude]

So my brother and I have been talking and we are thinking of not bringing any form of scent out in the woods this year. With the exception of having our scent-a-way spray. In the years past, we have had success taking deer and to be totally honest, none of them have been taken over scent wicks, nor did I see any behavior that proved to me that the scent was getting their attention.

This year I am thinking of instead of tromping around my stand strategically placing wicks before the morning hunt, I am going to try and go in all natural. The area I will be hunting had a lot of deer sign over MEA weekend, and typically is a great spot every year. I will be hunting out of a climber, so I haven't left anything out in the woods to draw any attention to the spot. I would rather have the deer continue to use their normal traveling habits, and not put any more of my scent in the area. Anyone else have any thoughts about this approach?

Thanks,

CA

[Fever]

Well sounds like you kinda have your mind made up. totally scent free isn't a bad idea if you feel you are in a high traffic area. Bringing some estrus scent, trophey buck urine, or curiosity scent isn't a bad idea either as it may draw attention to your general area / slightly improving your odds of seeing something. Not a garantee, just a trick up your sleeve. Will you be calling or rattling? If so, some scent really helps sell the illusion. If you plan on staying completely silent (no grunts, bleats, wheezes, or rattling) sure go scent free. Good luck to you.

[fr0sty]

I have never had any luck with scents and am going without this year.

[Cheetah]

I dunno about deer wicks and such, but you should definitely buy some Snake Oil to try.

[CrappieAttitude]

I plan on doing a little grunting, so I can see where you are coming from with the scent coming into play as an additional part of the illusion. However wouldn't just grunting alone bring on the curiousity of a rutting buck nearby?

Anyone use those buck bomb canisters? Would a guy be able to set one for a continuous spray and drop it to the ground from the tree? I am ok using something, but I don't want to be spending time tromping around my stand fumbling with scent wicks, drippers, ect.

Also, it seems like every time I put one of those bottles in my bag and or pockets, regardless of using a ziploc bag, everything gets a funk on it. And I don't care for the taste of peanut butter buck scent sandwiches.

Thanks for the input!!

CA

[ozzie]

I gave up on the scent wicks and scents a few years ago...I have used a buddies bottle of doe scent though just to put on my boots to cover my smell but that was just cause it was there.