Using scents while tracking deer is a powerful tool that can give you an edge when hunting or observing deer in the wild. Using scents while tracking deer helps attract or mask human odor, making it easier to approach deer without being detected. This technique can also help you determine the presence of deer in an area, as deer rely heavily on their sense of smell. In this article, we’ll go over some practical tips on how to effectively use scents while tracking deer, so you can improve your chances of success.
Why Scents Matter When Tracking Deer
The first step in understanding using scents while tracking deer is knowing why it’s so important. Deer have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to detect predators and find food. When hunting or tracking deer, using scents can either mask your scent to avoid detection or attract deer by mimicking natural smells they are familiar with. Understanding how to use scents correctly can greatly increase your chances of getting closer to the deer without alarming them.
Types of Scents You Can Use
There are several different types of scents you can use when tracking deer, and each has its purpose. The most common scents used are:
- Attractant Scents: These mimic the smell of a doe in estrus or a buck’s territory, which can draw deer closer to you.
- Cover Scents: These mask your human scent by using natural smells from the environment, such as earth, pine, or cedar.
- Repellent Scents: These are used to deter animals from specific areas and can be effective in preventing deer from lingering in unwanted zones.
By choosing the right type of scent, you can manipulate the deer’s natural instincts to your advantage.
Use Doe Estrus to Attract Deer
One of the most effective methods for using scents while tracking deer is by using doe estrus urine. This scent mimics the smell of a female deer in heat and is highly attractive to bucks. Using this scent can help you draw bucks into your hunting area, especially during the rut (breeding season). Applying doe estrus urine to a scent wick or trail near your hunting stand can lure bucks to the area, making it easier to track their movements.
Mask Your Scent with Cover Scents
Deer have an incredible ability to detect human scent, which can easily send them running. This is where using scents while tracking deer to mask your own scent becomes important. Cover scents such as pine, cedar, or earth can help hide your presence from the deer. When applying these scents, make sure to use them on your boots, hunting gear, and in the areas where you expect deer to pass. The goal is to blend into the environment and prevent deer from detecting any unnatural smells.
Use Scent Wicks and Sprays
Scent wicks and sprays are convenient tools for using scents while tracking deer. A scent wick is a fabric or material that holds scent and is typically hung on a tree or shrub. The scent is then dispersed into the wind, allowing deer to pick it up from a distance. You can use scent wicks to release attractant scents or cover scents, depending on your tracking strategy. Sprays are another popular option and can be applied directly to the ground or vegetation where deer are likely to be. Both scent wicks and sprays can help you direct the deer’s attention where you want it, making it easier to track their movements.
Consider Wind Direction
When using scents while tracking deer, always consider the wind direction. Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell, and the wind can either carry your scent away or bring it directly to the deer. If you’re using attractant scents, you want the wind to carry the scent toward the deer. On the other hand, if you’re trying to mask your own scent, you want the wind to blow your human scent away from the deer. Pay attention to the wind throughout the day and adjust your scent strategy accordingly.
Set Up a Scent Trail
Another effective technique for using scents while tracking deer is setting up a scent trail. A scent trail is created by applying attractant or cover scents along the deer’s likely path. By spreading the scent at intervals, you guide the deer toward a specific area, such as your stand or hunting blind. This method is especially effective if you know where the deer are likely to travel, such as near feeding areas or water sources.
Don’t Overdo It
While using scents is a great tool for tracking deer, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much scent can overwhelm the deer and cause them to become cautious or confused. A little goes a long way when it comes to attractant or cover scents. Apply the scent in small amounts, and make sure to check for wind direction regularly to ensure it is being carried in the right direction.
Practice Scent Control
When using scents while tracking deer, it’s also important to control your own scent. Deer are highly sensitive to human odor, and if you don’t take precautions, your scent can easily give you away. To minimize your scent, consider wearing scent-proof clothing, using scent-eliminating sprays on your gear, and storing your hunting clothes in scent-proof bags. Additionally, always be mindful of how you handle your equipment and clothing, as human scent can transfer easily through contact.
Monitor Deer Behavior
Once you’ve successfully used scents while tracking deer, take note of the deer’s behavior. If you’re using an attractant scent, you should see deer becoming more curious or actively searching for the source of the scent. If you’re using a cover scent, you may notice the deer approaching without showing signs of alarm. Understanding how deer react to different scents can help you adjust your strategy for future hunts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using scents while tracking deer is a highly effective technique that can help you mask your scent, attract deer, and improve your chances of a successful hunt. By selecting the right scents, considering wind direction, and monitoring deer behavior, you can significantly increase your chances of success. With the right approach and a little practice, using scents can become an essential part of your deer tracking and hunting strategy.
