Whether you are just starting out on your hunting journey, or have years of experience, scent control for hunting is an important part of the process. I have been asked this question many times: why do I do what I do and what is my rhyme or reason?
Do you really need to scent control yourself, your clothing, and other hunting equipment?
Or is it necessary? Some may disagree with me. And some may even ask what the appropriate strategy is for scent control. These are my strategies and hope they can help in yours, or even just provide you with another perspective.
Scent Control Strategies for Hunting
- Laundry Detergents
- Perfume or strongly scented hair and body soaps
- Pets in your home
- Clothing
Detergent
I am cautious with all my clothing and gear. At the beginning of the season, I wash all my clothing in a scent-preventative detergent and store them in an airtight container (my “hunting tote”). When I harvest an animal, I also repeat the steps to ensure no scent or blood is transferred.
Perfume and other scents
In addition to scent-controlling clothes, I scent-control myself. Most men don't have to worry about which shampoo and conditioner they use on the day of a hunt.
- Make sure you do not spray any perfume or strong-smelling lotions on your body. They will linger for hours!
- If I wash my hair on the day of a hunt, I do not use any shampoo or conditioner with fragrance. I use a scent-free soap.
- I ensure all my gear is free of dog hair and other traces of scent from storing it in my tote.
Scent control sprays
Some of your gear may encounter other scents, it is just reality. For example, if you use face lotion in your morning routine without thinking, or the farm cat rubs against you or jumps into your car on your clothing. For this reason, I always carry my spray as well.
When I used my scent control sprays before a hunt, I get chuckles from my father and brother-in-law. Saying “You better stay on the scent control.” Call it superstition or just being extra careful, it is what I do.
My father is a Diesel Mechanic and works very long hours. Some days he has stepped out into the woods to sit in his stand in his diesel-covered clothes. He may disagree with me on this topic, but that is a story for another time.
How do you manage scent control while you're hunting?
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