There are skeptics about using products to reduce human odor, but I’ve hunted enough to know they work. Using a complete program to ensure everything is scent-free has allowed me to be amongst deer and elk without being detected. One of my fondest memories was while elk hunting where a cow and calf fed just six feet from where I stood behind a big aspen. The bull came next and I was able to harvest him, without ever giving up my concealed location.
I’ve also tried to take shortcuts and ended up getting busted by deer I should have been able to get a shot at. That was the point when I knew I had to become obsessive/compulsive about hunting scent-free.
Reducing human odor may give you the edge on increasing your success in the field, but where do we start this process? As an ambitious and maybe a little compulsive Type-A personality, I shower up to three times a day depending on the time of year and the weather conditions I am up against. Many folks wash their hunting clothes and shower with scent-free products, which is bound to aid in getting up close and personal with Mr. and Mrs. Whitetail. But is it enough? Here are my cradle-to-grave thoughts on the matter.
I start by prepping my washer and dryer with Scent Killer Gold (SKG). You can’t expect to wash kid’s clothes, dirty bed sheets, work clothes and food related items and not have some scent particles linger in your washer and dryer. Start with a clean machine by doing a rinse cycle with SKG Laundry Detergent and warm your dryer with Autumn Formula Dryer Sheets. You won’t be disappointed or second guessing yourself later if you are doing the right preparation and procedures for your clothing.
When I talk about a complete program for being scent free, you have to think of everything. I wash my towels in SKG because there is no sense in washing my entire body with SKG then using a towel with scented fabric softener that will adhere to my skin and hair. If you are going to shave make sure you do so before you hit the shower so you can also eliminate the scents and smells from your shaving cream.
THESE MASKING SCENTS MAY EVEN ATTRACT BIG GAME.
When you do shower, make sure to use SKG soap and shampoo and scrub from your toes to your ears. It may sound strange for a man but exfoliate the body. Yes, I said it, use a loofa sponge and get rid of dried and dead skin! Shedding skin in the field and your clothes will have a lingering effect that could be negative.
I like to have towels prepared in advance and stored in oversized Ziploc bags or plastic storage containers with lids. I treat the containers and bags ahead of time with SKG Spray to make sure my towel isn’t going to pick up any foreign odors after I make it scent free. Having several towels ready to go throughout any hunting season, week, or even day, allows me to maintain my program without compromise.
If you take shortcuts, you are bound to have shortcomings during a hunt. Brush your teeth with baking soda and try using a chlorophyll-based gum to reduce mouth odor to finish off your regime and hunt preparation.
These are a few tips to get you started on the road to reducing human odor. I’m sure you’ll find more as you go along, like using scent-free towels to sit on in the vehicle or wiping your steering wheel down with Scent Killer Gold Field Wipes. Yes, it soon becomes instinct and second nature.
— PAID PARTNER CONTENT. This content is brought to you by a D&DH advertising sponsor.
