Scent killer sprays

49erjimmy · 01-01-2009, 06:46 PM

I was wondering how well all of the scent blocker sprays actually work and would appreciate hearing the opinions from people that use it regularly. Do these things somehow neutralize the human scent or just cover it up? I have always just hunted with the wind in my face and planned all my tactics according to the wind. But I would think that for the scent blockers to work you would have to spray every square inch of your body, not just your clothes. And I have also heard that most of the scent you emit comes from your breath, so do they make scent blocker gum as well??

As a bow hunter I am willing to use any method available to improve my odds of getting closer to a big bull but I would like to get some info as to wheter the stuff actually works like they advertise where big bucks walk by them downwind at 20 yards and don't know the hunter was there. That just seems so hard to believe just on their say so.

Blacktail Slayer · 01-01-2009, 06:49 PM

Yes there is some good products that neutralize and kill odor. You can find recipes on other websites that would give you gallons of the same thing for a fraction of the cost.

WapitiBob · 01-01-2009, 07:48 PM

A Police Bloodhound handler did a test on AT this summer.

shower w/ scent killer products
head to toe in Scent Blocker suit, hat, etc
sprayed down w/ scent killer spray

Dog ran right to the guy.

Blacktail Slayer · 01-01-2009, 07:54 PM

The products may help a little, but not 100%. I choose not to spend my money on them. Scent and UV free soap, baking soda, and air dry is all I do. I have had animals go down wind of me where I could reach out and touch them. Deer and elk have done circles around me without any Scent Lok or blocker products. I choose to spend my money on other things. I did however got a blb light to make sure I never buy any hunting clothing with UV reflecting dye in it after my experience this summer.

nevermiss · 01-01-2009, 08:18 PM

You name it--I've probably tried it. Scent-killers, cover scents, Hunters soap, scentless underarm deodorant, chewing gum which eliminates mouth odor, trail drags, hell, I can't remember 'em all. The right ones DO work (about as well as you hunt) and will often fool game downwind of you. Still gotta know how to use the wind, stalk, and all the other things that can make "scentless" hunting not really necessary. All the proper items'll cost ya, tho'. Cabela's is a good starting point.

coffee-n-rolls · 01-02-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 49erjimmy

I was wondering how well all of the scent blocker sprays actually work and would appreciate hearing the opinions from people that use it regularly. Do these things somehow neutralize the human scent or just cover it up? I have always just hunted with the wind in my face and planned all my tactics according to the wind. But I would think that for the scent blockers to work you would have to spray every square inch of your body, not just your clothes. And I have also heard that most of the scent you emit comes from your breath, so do they make scent blocker gum as well??

As a bow hunter I am willing to use any method available to improve my odds of getting closer to a big bull but I would like to get some info as to wheter the stuff actually works like they advertise where big bucks walk by them downwind at 20 yards and don't know the hunter was there. That just seems so hard to believe just on their say so.

As a retired police officer and police K-9 trainer for over 17 years, I guanantee you that the only way to hide your scent, is to not be there. The human body sheds over 20,000 skin rafts per minute, which contains bacteria, thermal and emotional sweating, none of which you can hide. In addition to the human scent, stepping on the soil and grasses leave a very obvious scent and odor. (Have you ever smelled your grass after you mowe it?) I'm not sure of the olfactory and sensitivite nature of deer and elk, but I guarantee you that their survivability depends on their sense of smell. There may be some good products to lure the animals to your hunting area, but to mask or hide the human scent is impossible. The only way to do so is if you are DEAD...and then you become an odor.

49erjimmy · 01-02-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffee-n-rolls

As a retired police officer and police K-9 trainer for over 17 years, I guanantee you that the only way to hide your scent, is to not be there. The human body sheds over 20,000 skin rafts per minute, which contains bacteria, thermal and emotional sweating, none of which you can hide. In addition to the human scent, stepping on the soil and grasses leave a very obvious scent and odor. (Have you ever smelled your grass after you mowe it?) I'm not sure of the olfactory and sensitivite nature of deer and elk, but I guarantee you that their survivability depends on their sense of smell. There may be some good products to lure the animals to your hunting area, but to mask or hide the human scent is impossible. The only way to do so is if you are DEAD...and then you become an odor.

Thanks much for this info. Facts are more what I was looking for and you sound to be an expert on human scent. I agree that elk and deer will rely on their sense of smell to stay alive in their environment. All they need is the slightest sense that a human is near and I don't see how you could hide that without hours of preparation, and even at that you sweat as you walk and climb while hunting. You can't seal all of that in with your clothing since you still have to breathe and see. You might be able to decrease the amount of scent but I can't see how you can totally eliminate it like some of those companies claim. In the case of an elk smelling you I am not sure how much difference it makes as to whether they smell you a little or a lot. They will be gone either way!

coffee-n-rolls · 01-02-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 49erjimmy

Thanks much for this info. Facts are more what I was looking for and you sound to be an expert on human scent. I agree that elk and deer will rely on their sense of smell to stay alive in their environment. All they need is the slightest sense that a human is near and I don't see how you could hide that without hours of preparation, and even at that you sweat as you walk and climb while hunting. You can't seal all of that in with your clothing since you still have to breathe and see. You might be able to decrease the amount of scent but I can't see how you can totally eliminate it like some of those companies claim. In the case of an elk smelling you I am not sure how much difference it makes as to whether they smell you a little or a lot. They will be gone either way!

You got it! Chalk it up to good marketing! I laugh every time I see and hear the great results of their products. Not one of them has me even slightly convinced. Although I don't know all the product lines, I do know that what I posted earlier is a proven scientific fact. The human body sheds (skin rafts) constantly, you can't stop it, and certainly can't mask it. Just face the facts....we stink!