I have killed 4 bucks in the first week of muzzleloader season, which usually corresponds with the pre rut and during the rut. I have had awesome success rattling bucks to the very tree I am in each time. The gimmicks I dont go for is the bombs, however I always use a drag when going into a good spot, and during the rut I always put out tinks wicks high enough to just cary with the wind (who knows what is 100 plus yards down wind).

My philosophy is to climb higher than usual to get out of scent range, however I do believe in carbon and silver lined scent control. It has proved to allow me to get closer to deer than without.

I have a seperate woodshed that I keep all of my fresh cut and split oak and cedar in. In that shed is where I keep all of my hunting clothes, boots, socks, and even a designated towel to use after showering with scent prevent soap and shampoo.

Does it work? I believe in science and the better I can control my scent, and the more curious scent I can put out there...the beter the odds. In 20 years of hunting, I have never used anything more than a field spray. The last 4 or 5 years I have killed more mature bucks as close as 5 steps away, which I have never accomplished in the other 2 decades.

If you are an archery hunter, you will understand the concept. When you are shooting at 150 yards away with a high power rifle, its a different kind of hunt...IMHO. I can honestly say that the last 4 mature bucks I have grunted, rattled, and caught their curiosity enough to have my farthest shot at no more than 20 yards, using archery tackle, smoke pole, or shotgun.

Oh, and by the way, my "boss" 130" decoy doesnt hurt either when you rattle. It seems that all the juniors and senior bucks want to see a little action and the decoy is just another "gimmick" that gives me an advantage.

Im not complaining about anything new. Its all for the better of the sport as far as I am concerned.