Hey guys, curious what you mountain gurus do? Here in IA, our stands are at lost 3/4 of a mile away and on "level" ground compared to the Rockies so I can pack in some Primos Scent Eliminator spray no problem. But next yr in CO, I don't think it's going to be worth the added weight and space used. I've heard about guys standing in campfire smoke for added cover scent....anyone believe in that? Regardless, I still will play the wind but wanted some thoughts on added help
Scent spray worth added weight?
- Thread starter Iowahunter
- Start date
Chippy Hacky
Member
- Jul 21, 2012
- 83
- 0
I am skeptical of any "cover" or "elimination" sprays. I think it is kind of a gimmick to separate us from our money. After a couple of days (or much less) I can smell myself! I don't think it matters.
Campfire smoke? I put that in the wives tail column too.
Keeping the wind in your favor is above all the most important thing. Save the weight.
Campfire smoke? I put that in the wives tail column too.
Keeping the wind in your favor is above all the most important thing. Save the weight.
Fink
Veteran member
I'd rather take some deodorant than scent sprays, I'm more concerned with being able to live with myself while in my tent/sleeping bag.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
mnhunter
Active Member
I use it hunting whitetails, but I just don't think it can keep up when you are working that hard.
tdub24
Veteran member
Do like the one "professional" did on TV, smear fresh cow s#*^ on your face and clothes for cover scent!!!! Then let me know how it worked out for you!!
labman
Member
I am a avid Whitetail hunter and I agree I have never used the scent eliminator and not had a problem killing lots of deer. Just make sure I have several stand options that give me the wind advantage.
I swing both ways on the subject. In the high country i use fresh sage or whatever bush looks juicy. Take my shirt off rub it all over my clothes,hands and stinky spots. But this season while hunting for a cow elk i sprayed down with some cover spray for shits and giggles. I had a spike at 5 yards with the wind at my back before sunup. I dont know if he felt safe because it was dark or my odor didnt bother him. Later that morning a group of does came down the draw and i was stuck in the only tree around for cover. Wind at my back again. They came to 7 yards before picking me apart and blowing out. Maybe the stuff is worth the weight?
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Find a wallow that the bulls have been using and do a little wallowing yourself. Who knows, might just work!
Chippy Hacky
Member
- Jul 21, 2012
- 83
- 0
If you are new or newer to mountain hunting, focus on diurnal winds and more importantly when the diurnal "shift" takes place. Usually, as a rule of thumb, it begins around 10am in the mountains (a little earlier in the summer and a little latter in the fall and winter months). The valley floor heats up and the wind goes up hill, in the afternoon/evening it reverses. Fronts are going to change this (of course) but you can pretty much set your clock by them on a "normal" day.
This is also important as a buck (especially if he is by himself) will usually bed with his back to the wind facing down hill in the a.m. They trust their nose to cover their 6 and their eyes for their 12 o'clock. The diurnal shift will take place and put the wind at the bucks face and if everything works perfect can allow you to pull a sneak up behind them with the wind in the bucks face while he is looking down hill, giving you the high ground to come down on him. Simple in theory, but the only place it is simple!
I have found the diurnal winds to be pretty constant up into October and even on nice November days.
This is also important as a buck (especially if he is by himself) will usually bed with his back to the wind facing down hill in the a.m. They trust their nose to cover their 6 and their eyes for their 12 o'clock. The diurnal shift will take place and put the wind at the bucks face and if everything works perfect can allow you to pull a sneak up behind them with the wind in the bucks face while he is looking down hill, giving you the high ground to come down on him. Simple in theory, but the only place it is simple!
I have found the diurnal winds to be pretty constant up into October and even on nice November days.
Old Hunter
Banned
Unless you can hold your breath for the whole time you're hunting. You won't ever be scent free.
We've done the Primos test on some pretty stinky stuff and it actually worked but some of the other brands, still was rank after the spray hit it. But I do agree with it not keeping up while hiking high country. Don't think I'd have room for it anyways even if I did want to bring it. Mainly wondered if the smoke "trick" was a joke......thanks for the input guys.
Lol....and I've been known to try and do some pretty crazy things but I'll probably stay away from rubbin crap on my face! But never know...
Lol....and I've been known to try and do some pretty crazy things but I'll probably stay away from rubbin crap on my face! But never know...
Last edited:
Old Hunter
Banned
Fink
Veteran member
CrimsonArrow
Very Active Member
I'm not totally convinced that scent-elimination sprays really work, but I figure if they cut any amount of scent, they're worth the trouble to pack in. Any time you set-up at a wallow, creek crossing, or other ambush site, it might make the difference when an animal comes in from the 'wrong' way. Chewing on mint gum will also help cover any stinky old hunter breath.
buckbull
Veteran member
- Jun 20, 2011
- 2,167
- 1,354
If you are going to take anything take the wipes that are available. They are much lighter and more packable. Like others mentioned, its more for personal hygiene than to cover your scent. With as many wildfires as there were this year, the smoke trick may work. The thing about cover scents is that you need to pick items that are natural from your surroundings; like someone mentioned above, using sage from the area he is hunting.
Old Hunter
Banned
HuntPrep365
New Member
As a research assistant who tranquilizes "wild" deer for a living, from 15 yds, I still don't use the stuff. As a fairly ultralight backcountry hunter, the thought of carrying scent spray makes me absolutely want to vomit. It's your choice, but you will NEVER catch me lugging that junk around on a backpacking trip.
