ORIGINAL: HammytheHunter
I do the usual descent routine prior to leaving the house (shower in scent-a-way, change into clothes held in air-tite tub). Once I get to my parking spot.. I spray down with Scent-A-Way to include any exposed skin and I make sure to do my boots really well. Now I did this last night and had a young buck cross and walk on part of my trail in. He got to within 5 yards of my stand with a slight breeze circling and didn't spook once. There was no sign of catching scent nor did he alert as he continued to browse on acorns for the next 20 minutes.
So with that, I've always used the Scent-A-Way products with great results. The only time I have had deer spook is usually when I make a stupid move and they pick me off. Although I will say, with that buck 5 yards from my tree last night, my predator camo helped out a lot.
Don't forget that the scent doesn't go straight down. It might not reach the deer until it's 30 yds from your tree. If the deer enters from upwind and walks right bi your tree on the downwind side there might not be any scemt there for him to smell. The scent might not be hitting the ground until 20-30yds away depending on atmospheric conditions.