Here is my philosophy on the whole thing...be extremely quiet getting into an area if you have to walk around to avoid bumping deer that is better although not always possible...get there real early and get up that tree or in position as quietly and quickly as possible. Avoid areas that have swirling winds. I don't use any real or artificial scents but once in a while I bring a grunt call and always have on clean clothes washed in Sportwash and stored in big plastic bags and regularly rotated. I use a 30 year old pair of LL Bean Maine hunter boots although I have other rubber boots in my closet, just love the way they feel. Both bucks this year walked across my trail in to the stand and none detected my presence. Use a quiet treestand..so far the best I have found in that department is an Ol Man , there are squirrels that make more noise going up a tree then I do . Hope that helps...