Cover Scent for Waterfowlers?

CMallardDrake · 01-28-2005, 04:16 PM

At the bottom of "waterfowler101's" posts...his signature states...

"If the wind was blowing at our backs every one of those birds would decoy right in."

This reminded me of something I noticed this season like never before. Late season ducks that would decoy but were wise enough to not land right in the spread but on the outside and out of range would sometimes swim right into the spread and other times they would not.

On those times when they would not...it was when the wind was at my back. When they would come into the spread after some light chuckle or lonesome hen talk...I noticed it was only when the wind was blowing towards where I was hiding in the willows.

To watch those ducks this season, when the wind was blowing from me towards them, swim around, just dieing to come and join the crowd was interesting. It was as if they knew something wasn't right and I think my smell was the deciding factor that kept them out of range and the decoys. They would at times, hang around for up to 30 minutes, looking like they would swim on in but never would. When the wind was blowing at me...most of the time, especially with some calm calling, they would swim on in and make for good "real life" decoys or a good "jump shot" after throwing up "Ol' Blue" and scaring them into flight if they were a desired species.

Any thoughts on this guys? I'd never really thought about it before this season and was wondering if you have experienced the same thing. Hey...there might be a waterfowler's cover scent on the market and I'm just too far out of the loop to know about it.

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Gun Rod Bow · 01-28-2005, 04:25 PM

I roll around in peanut butter before every trip. Don't know if it helps, I just like the way it feels under my waders.

Creamy, not chunky!

Swamp Puppy · 01-28-2005, 04:39 PM

waterfowl cover scents...what next? camoflage shotgun shells so that hulls don't spook birds?

CMallardDrake · 01-28-2005, 04:48 PM

Quote:

waterfowl cover scents...what next? camoflage shotgun shells so that hulls don't spook birds?

Hey Mossberg...

I've always been a "Remington" man so with their 12 gauge green shells (too brightly colored green...but still green) I always figured I had an advantage over those who were Winchester Men and those, "flare them everytime" red hulls that were floating outside the blind or laying on the field.

I usually at least once a season use "the empty shotshell hulls are flaring the birds" excuse. It's on the list with dozens of others I have learned over the years.

:shocked:........... :shocked:............ :shocked:............ :shocked:

CMallardDrake · 01-28-2005, 04:51 PM

Quote:

I roll around in peanut butter before every trip. Don't know if it helps, I just like the way it feels under my waders.

Creamy, not chunky!

...ROTFIPBPTH... "Rolling On The Floor In Peanut Butter Prior To Hunt" If it brings them in a wee bit closer...I'd do it!

:shocked:............... :shocked:.............. :shocked:............ :shocked:

waterfowlin101 · 01-28-2005, 05:20 PM

Interesting point CMallard. Here is my take.

Yes ducks and Geese smell. Do they have a very strong sense of smell??? This I don't know. Hens release pheremones that drakes smell letting them know it mating time. I think this subject is very interesting. If waterfowl smell better than we think....

Maybe they land outside the decoys because a true flock of birds sitting in the water would give off some type of odor.

Maybe they smell my hunting partner who has'nt showered in a few days.

At best I think this is all a stretch, but a very interesting topic. thanks for bringing it up. Want more info?? Check out this website:

http://www.audubonportland.org/birds/archive/1004.php

Jon

Wingmaster · 01-28-2005, 05:53 PM

I am gonna take a stab at the topic... birds have very well developed senses of hearing and sight, poor in the department of taste and smell. My guess to why they might flare with the wind at your back, is that any sound you make is carried toward the birds that much easier. :whazzup: Unless you are wearing cologne or have not showered in way too long I doubt scent would be the deciding factor between cupped wings and birds coming up short. I would be tempted to try something to mask my scent next time I'm in the blind just in case though... never know what might work.