HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

BEFORE THE HUNT:

• Brush your teeth and gargle with baking soda and water for a few days before you go. This regiment will cut down the scent of your breath.
• Shower using scent-free soap products and dry off with a scent-free towel. Beware, most laundry detergents contain heavy perfumes or fabric softeners. So if you get scent-free in the shower but dry off with a flowery smelling towel… you’ll smell like flowers.  
• Wear scent-free deodorant.
• Wear rubber gloves anytime you’re eating on the day of the hunt—scarfing back a sandwich or bag of chips will definitely leave a scent on your hands.
• After showering, only put on your base layer of clothing. Keep your outer layer in a scent-free container until you’re in the field.
• Remember to wash any brand new clothes with baking soda and vinegar to remove UV brighteners and others scents.
• Avoid vehicle fumes—gas up the truck the day before the hunt and don’t start it up until you’ve closed the door to prevent exhaust fumes from absorbing into your clothing.

IN THE FIELD:

• When you arrive at the hunting area, give your gear another spray with scent eliminator (or with a mixture of baking soda and water).
• If wearing a head cover, tuck the neck of it under your shirt or jacket to prevent any body odor from escaping.
• If you leave your hunting zone but plan on returning, take off your hunting gear before you get back in your vehicle.

Wise Words: Work With the Wind

When in the field, try to keep downwind from game animals to keep your human smell from blowing towards them and announcing your arrival. Most animals will be extra alert if the wind is gusting and changing direction frequently. So you’ll need to be more cautious too.