I turn mine on when i reach the tree just before climbing that way it has just a little time to warm up. I bow hunt out of loc-ons and once i get seated i just put it under the seat. It takes a few minutes for it to actually start working but once it does it works really well. It does put off some odor but it's not that bad and i believe if you stick to hunting the wind you'll be ok, besides, i think if they can smell the thermacell theymore than likelycan smell you to.Beats getting eaten up by mosquitoes anyday.