Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: PacificNWhunter on January 13, 2008, 02:00:55 PM

Title: Scent Blockers?
Post by: PacificNWhunter on January 13, 2008, 02:00:55 PM: I was wondering how many of you guys use scentlock gear or some other type of scent blocker when hunting?

My hunting style is usually as far from the road and other hunters as possible. With that said though I tend to break a sweat getting to my hunting spots. When I first started hunting I would throw my hunting clothes in my pack, ride or hike close to my spot and then change into my hunting clothes leaving my other clothes behind until I leave. The last two years though I have been backpacking and staying a few days in my hunting spots and don't have the space to take numerous sets of gear with me. I have not noticed a decline in the amount of deer I am seeing but I do notice I start to smell after a couple of days..Is there some way to help delay or mask it? or is it just the norm?

I have used some scent blocking products but have not really noticed a difference. I have resorted to hiking, walking or biking MUCH slower and dressing cooler.

This coming year I plan on being up in the wilderness for 3-5 days, so I am hoping not to stink a monster buck out of the country...thanks in advance. Jordan
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: bowhuntin on January 13, 2008, 02:40:12 PM: As far as sweating goes, everyone sweats there is no stopping that. Just keep the wind in your face and I think you will do fine. I have used scentblockers and cover scents, but I didn't notice any difference like you have already said. As far as scentlock clothing goes, I think it is a waste of money even though I have never tried any. I just don't see because you spent an extra 50 or 100 dollars on a piece of clothing that it is going to help you be more successful. The people that are successful are going to continue to be and have been with out this stuff. I just make sure to watch for the change in thermals to know which way the wind will be blowing and to practice good hygiene so you don't smell real bad.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: Slider on January 13, 2008, 06:19:29 PM: Use unsented baby wipes!!!
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: rosscrazyelk on January 13, 2008, 06:28:04 PM: I have a friend that is an outfitter in Canada and he laughs when guys wear all the scent suits.If you have the wind at your back you are screwed no matter what. He said if you watch these guys on t.v. they shower every morning drive to a place where it is a 5 minute walk to a stand. Scent blockers might work there, but if you are hiking your ass off which all of us have, As long as you have the wind in your favor you are golden...
I have hiked all day and at the end of the day gotten within 10 yards of deer and they had no clue cause I had the wind..
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: high country on January 13, 2008, 09:50:07 PM: Quote from: Slider on January 13, 2008, 06:19:29 PM
Use unsented baby wipes!!!

1000% agree. I tend to hunt wilderness hunts from a backpack at least once or twice a year. I take a lil pill bottle of green soap and will wash up in what ever water I can find. if I don't feel like I am gonna get monkey butt I will just use the wipes. they are a life saver......don't forget a toothbrush.

as for scentlock clothes....I have some, and it really is nothing all that special. good ol' polar fleece for me, that is my preference.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: bowhuntin on January 13, 2008, 11:16:53 PM: A wash cloth works just as well as baby wipes too.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: PolarBear on January 14, 2008, 05:59:36 AM: I am pretty anal about being as scent free as possible. Probably too much so. I don't believe that the scentlock suits do a lot of good. My main thing is to avoid eating and drinking things that will cause your body to secrete foul odors. I stay away from spicy foods, garlic, onion etc. I have found that drinks containing alcohol or caffeine will make your body and bodily fluids stink. Just think that having a couple drops of stinky piss in your pants will make for one hell of a scent trail. I drink only water or non-caffinated drinks for a few days before and during the hunt. I shower or bathe with scent eliminating products every morning before the hunt. NEVER fuel up the rig in my hunting clothes. I spray the interior of my rig down with sent killer, change into my hunting clothes after I have gotten to where I am going to start hiking. Spray myself down when I hit the trail and again before getting into my treestand. I hike slowly to avoid getting sweaty, use baking powder in my hair to keep it dry and kill odor and NEVER piss within a mile of my stand. I wash all of my hunting clothes (boots, fanny packs, suspenders, hats etc included) in scent eliminating stuff and store in and air tight container with a couple of crushed fir needles in it. I don't understand these dudes (you see them walking around Cabela's and Sportsman's Whorehouse) that are running around at work or town in their scent killer suits. What is the point of having one if you are going to stink it up with fuel, smoke whatever? Here is a tip, if you want to keep your hunting clothes as scent free as possible, don't wear them every day and think that one washing before the hunt will clean them up, it probably wont. IMO.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: billythekidrock on January 14, 2008, 06:21:47 AM: Quote
A wash cloth works just as well as baby wipes too.

Not for wiping the behind. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: ICEMAN on January 14, 2008, 06:28:51 AM: Quote from: PolarBear on January 14, 2008, 05:59:36 AM
..... I don't understand these dudes (you see them walking around Cabela's and Sportsman's Whorehouse) that are running around at work or town in their scent killer suits. What is the point of having one if you are going to stink it up with fuel, smoke whatever? IMO.

Maybe they finally realized the bogus claims of these products? :dunno:

Scent Loc sued for Fraud:

A lawsuit has been filed and is seeking class action status against the Michigan clothing manufacturer alleging clothing sold to hunters to mask human scent does not work. The lawsuit was filed in Federal Court in Minneapolis and claims ALS Enterprises, which produces and licenses Scent Lok clothing, defrauded consumers into believing the product worked.

ALS Enterprises is the largest maker of such clothing and licenses it to at least 22 others, including Gander Mountain Co., Cabela's Inc., Bass Pro Shops Inc., and Browning Arms Co., which are also named as defendants. The lawsuit claims the five businesses conspired to deceive consumers and suppressed and concealed the truth. ALS Enterprises has a written guarantee that says hunters will experience "unalarmed wild animals downwind."

Personaly, I think that individuals who worry about their scent are better hunters. They are worrying the details, and this is good. But, many a chain smoker have stalked a great buck, and I think that odor are something that we cannot hide. We can limit, but not hide our scent to the incredibly sensitive nose of wild animals. I just don't think that some jacket and pant combo is going to make all that much difference after the first hour you wear it....
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: Slider on January 14, 2008, 09:06:19 AM: Iceman their Patent was DENIED!!!
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: ICEMAN on January 15, 2008, 05:46:41 AM: Sorry, missed that. Their lawsuit was denied?
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: Slider on January 15, 2008, 04:11:07 PM: No, Scent Blockers Patent was denied!!! Hence the lawsuit.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: huntnphool on January 15, 2008, 04:17:53 PM: "Use unsented baby wipes!!!"

I pack them as well. They work great for getting monkey butt cleaned and also for getting blood off your arms, just make sure you burry them.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: billythekidrock on January 15, 2008, 04:53:43 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on January 15, 2008, 04:17:53 PM
"Use unsented baby wipes!!!"

I pack them as well. They work great for getting monkey butt cleaned and also for getting blood off your arms, just make sure you burry them.

Don't forget to make sure they have no alcohol as well. Might make for a bit fun if passed off to your buddy though.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: dbllunger on January 16, 2008, 04:21:18 PM: Scent free soap, shower every other day, or if I sweat really hard. The best scent blocker of all is the wind period.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: Intruder on January 17, 2008, 09:03:05 AM: I've read several things that basically say that any of the scent blocking clothing is total BS. We have several folks from the Arm Forces on the site who may be able to add to this... But one of the best things I read was based on comparing Scent Block clothes to military (I believe they were bio suits) that use activated charcoal. They article basically explained how long the military formula lasted and then compared them to scent lock stuff. Bottom line was that the scent lock stuff could only be effective for a minuscule amount of time.... literally a few minutes if I remember correctly. And there's no way they can be recharged as the manufacturer claims.

That being said there do seem to be some eliminator sprays that have some science on their side. Some of the sprays that use enzymes or anti bacterial agents have been shown to eliminate smells to a degree. Some of the analysis on the scent blockers shows them to be nothing more the soap & baking soda solutions though.

1) watch the wind!!!!

2) avoid things that will make your clothes stink
3) keep yourself clean and odor free
4) hang your clothes out doors
5) use a reputable scent blocker
6) avoid things that make you stink (food, tobacco, drink, etc)
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: Armadillo on January 17, 2008, 09:53:45 AM: you gotta be sure not to use scented soap when you take a shower.
Title: Re: Scent Blockers?
Post by: BLUEBULLS on January 17, 2008, 11:31:39 AM: I usually try to keep the wind good for the sure thing. I do use the sprays but I think that is mainly so i don't smell my own stinky #%$. I don't know about you guys but for me there's no getting around it, in september, i'm gonna stink.