Okay guys, I agree with most of you on the earthscent and don't use it.
When my human nose could pick out the earth scent wafer hanging on a branch, I gave them up.
My original question was
I've given some thought to the cover scent thing. We have a lot of coons, so that would probably be my choice, especially since they like to climb trees.
BUT, here's the rub, either the deer will pick out my human scent or not. The only way these cover scents would seem to work is if it distracts or otherwise fools the deer's nose, kind of like deodorant without antipersperant or taking a French bath (FYI, dousing yourself in cologne).
But isn't a whitetails nose more sophisticated that that? Would you agree that your level of scent (standing alone) will determine whether a deer is alerted to your presence, regardless of a cover scent? So exactly how is a cover scent going to help if a deer finds the trail to my deer stand?
I ask because I have heard people that swear by using cover scents.