I tried one last week. Started it up in the truck before I drove to my hunting area, noticed smoke coming from it in the enclosed truck cab. Given that, I suppose it does have a smell to it, although Icouldn't smell anything. Out in the open I couldn't see any smoke so I'm guessing slightbreezes dissapate it quickly. Haven't even seen a deer while using it, so don't know if it effects them or not.