We developed this section of our website to help you maximize your success with our scent products. Although we encourage you to use the methods you had success with in the past, we encourage you to try some of our field-tested techniques described here.

Below is a series of typically asked questions regarding the use of scents for hunting. 


Typically Asked Questions About
Using Scents for Hunting

Q: Do scents really work, or is it just a marketing gimmic?

A: Yes, using scents can increase your chances of harvesting a deer dramatically if used properly. At the same time, using scents improperly can have a significant negative effect. Scents are a tool to help you harvest a deer. They will not work every time, or on every deer exactly the same, but used properly, can greatly improve your odds of success.

Q: Is in necessary to wear rubber boots and use masking scents and scent elminators to be successful?

A: The short answer is no. We all know someone who shot the buck of a lifetime while smoking a cigarette and wearing gasoline spattered leather boots. However, the phrase "you're better to be lucky than good" does not apply if you want to consistently get close to deer. All of your hunts should begin with the use of a human scent eliminator, and a natural masking scent to cover foreign odors on your cloting. Knee high rubbers boots are also important because they don't hold odors like leather boots, which helps you move to your stand location without leaving hunt stopping scent soot. Always use masking scents and scent elinators when huting with attractant scents.

Q: Are all urine attractant scents the same, meaning curiosity, rut, and estrous scents from one company are basically the same as another company's?

A: All urne scents are definitely not the same. Although it is possible to purchase "pure" urine, most companies have developed their own formulas that they add to the urine to improve effectiveness. There are many factors the influence the urine you are purchasing, including diet of the deer, time of collection, and how it is handled after collection. We suggest finding a company you are comfortable with, and sticking with it as long as you are having postive results.

Q: Should I use a urine masking scent, such as fox, raccoon, or skunk?

A: Although many people prefer to use urine scents for masking purposes, we do not recommend it. We believe that a natural-smelling, earth-based masking scent does a better job of helping hunters blend into the environment they are hunting in. Stong-smelling urine masking scents can actually help deer pinpoint your location because they stand out among the natural smells of the area.

Q: Can I use estrous and other scents designed for the rut too early?

A: Yes. Deer are genetically engineered to know when the rut is kicking in, and using an estrous or territorial scent too early can trigger a negative impulse from deer. Because the timing of the rut varies due to a number of factors, our best advice is to observe deer behavior and only begin using rutting scents when you are confident that the natural rut is starting.

Q: Can I use too much attractant scent? 

A: Generally, using a lot of urine scent will not negatively impact your hunt. Remember, most urine scents come in 1 oz. or 2 oz. bottles, yet a deer's bladder contains several more ounces. In most cases, a small amount of urine attractant can go a long way, and it is not necessary to use excessive amounts.

Q: Is it true the scent steamers and drippers work better than other methods?

A: No. Although many have had success with scent steamers and drippers, as well as other methods for disbursing scent, it can be effective when used in a variety of ways. Again, we encourage you to experiment, and use the methods you are most comfortable with. As a general rule of thumb, we encourage you to take as little equipment into the woods with you as possible.

Q: I had a deer spook when it encountered the scent I was using. Did I choose a bad company?

A: There are hundreds of reasons why deer may spook. It's possible that deer actually detect a hunter's presence because of a wind shift, it may have seen something, or it could be that the scent was the wrong type for the time of season. Our advice is to give a scent at least a couple of tries before you give up on it. Sure, there are bad products out there, but even the best products won't work if they're not used properly.

Q: So now that I'm using scents, do I need to pay attention to wind and other factors?

A: Absolutely! As described above, scents are a tool that can be used to increase your odds for success. They are not a "silver bullet."

Q: Can I use scents in conjunction with calls and decoys?

A: Yes, and we encourage it. The combination of a quality scent, good decoy, and skilled calling can be a lethal combination. For more information, see our attractant tips.

Q: Everyone in the area I hunt uses the same scent that they get at the local market. Can I gain an advantage by using something different?

A: Yes. Over time, deer can actually begin associating certain smells with humans, especially if they're shot at. Sometimes standing out from the crowd is a good thing.

Q: Should I try to use all of my scent within a week of opening it? I heard that it will go bad if I don't.

A: One of the biggest myths about scents is that they "go bad" within days of being opened. As long as you store the urine in the bottle that it was packaged in at room temperature or below, and keep it out of direct sunlight, it will be fine for the entire season. We are aware of many hunters who use scent from year to year with no negative results.

Q: Can I apply attractant scents directly to my body?

A: We highly recommend that you do not apply urine attractants to your body. Believe it or not, it is possible for you to get attacked by a deer, and you also run the risk of getting sick or infected with bad bacteria. After using scents, we advise washing your hands thoroughly.