49 degrees north and scents

[fishermanjoe]

So I am going to be hunting near the town of Elk for whitetail, and i am thinking about using some attractant scent. I have never used them and never have had the urge to use them, but this year I am thinking about it. I just recently had knee surgery so i will have to sit all day on some game trails. I was asking around and apparently this general season is supposed to be the closest to the rut than any other season. So my question is should i use scents or is it to early in the game for that. And if i should use them what should i use, estrus, doe p, buck urine? 

[jackelope]

scents are illegal in WA.

[fishermanjoe]

what page in the regs does it state that?

[270Shooter]

scents are illegal in WA.

I think that is only for bears. Because a scent would be considered an attractant. You can use attractants for deer and elk in WA.

[jackelope]

scents are illegal in WA.

I think that is only for bears. Because a scent would be considered an attractant. You can use attractants for deer and elk in WA.

I think you're right. i typed too fast.
i retract my incorrect statement.
sorry....carry on.

[Austrian Hunter]

I thought the rut up there does not even start until the end of November

[huntnphool]

How close to the town of Elk? Lots of deer around there but its mostly private, you hunting someones property?

[fishermanjoe]

thankyou! because i have talked with a game officer about legality of bear bombs, he stated that they are illegal, but you can bait deer. So i was thinking if you can bait deer why cant you use scents for deer. Right after that quick post from jackelope I have been flipping the regs and cant find where is states scents are illegal for deer.

and yes i am hunting a private ranch

[fishermanjoe]

so it would be to early?

[tazz]

yes definitely it wont start till about 2nd week in nov as a rule. good luck there are some nice whitelails in that area

[Austrian Hunter]

so it would be to early?

I hunted that area last year late November and they had not started the rut, but overall last year they were really late and they did not had snow on the ground until Dec 12, the snow helps allot. 

Austrian

[jackelope]

the timing of the rut is entirely weather dependent. i don't think you'll do any harm using scents but not sure it would be a big benefit during the timing of the general season.
 

[Austrian Hunter]

the timing of the rut is entirely weather dependent. i don't think you'll do any harm using scents but not sure it would be a big benefit during the timing of the general season.
 

 

[Buckmark]

Every year there are some items in the regs that i question or dont have clear understanding of, in those case's i email the WDFW and ask my question, i then print out the answer and carry them on me or in the truck and have some in camp to help defuse arguments from other members of my hunting parties or if im ever stopped and questioned i have a printed response.
Here is one on the use of scents, asked at the start of this season.
*
Dear Frank,

 

Thank you for contacting the Wildlife Program regarding deer scents.  Deer scents, and in fact all baits, are legal for deer and elk.

 

If you have any further questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to contact the Wildlife Program at (360) 902-2515.

 

Sincerely,

 

Wildlife Program Customer Service

 

(360) 902-2515

TTY: (800) 833-6388

Fax: (360) 902-2162

http://wdfw.wa.gov

[boneaddict]

I think its a waste of money, just like scent lock clothing and several other gimics.  Thats coming from a guy that sees an average of 100 whitetail bucks or more everyfall for the last 20+ years.   Just an opinion though.  It won't hurt other than money loss and the possibility of scaring an animal I suppose.  The only scent I absolutely discouraged was some guy that was going to put moose in heat on himself as a coverscent.