Most serious archery hunters will agree that scent control is a big part of the master plan. Taking precautions to care for hunting garments right down to playing the wind will have some influence on our success. I know many a bow hunter who will pass on sitting a stand if the wind is wrong. I've always been a proponent of taking strict care of my hunting clothes, right down to my boots when it comes to scent elimination. Likewise, I know many hunter that doesn't pay close attention to their hard gear.

What I mean is this... if you store your hard gear in say, the garage, how many of you will take the time to wipe down your climber or your bow with a scent neutralizer before going afield? If your little lady is like mine, she likes to toss pounds of that carpet fresh powder, (usually that Pot Po-Peri smelly stuff), all over my bow room and then stir things up with the vaccum.

I believe that to be safe, one should de-scent-ta-tize, (look Mom, a new Websters word entry), any such equipment subjected to the home bound smell factory. Even exhaust fumes from vehicles worry me if gears left in a closed enviroment. Maybe I'm a bit overboard on this, maybe not. What's your take on it?

I do my best to eliminate as much scent as possible. But I admit I'm not a poster child for scent elimination. I am going to try to pay better attention this year though. Even with all the scent elimination products I still hunt the wind.

yep no matter how detailed you are in the scent control always playing the wind is the best way to not get picked off.

I agree, I spray down my bow, climber, butt pack .... might say everything, every day I go afield. All of my gear stays locked up in the truck during the whole season, clothes in a plastic tub with scented dryer sheets. Once a week I'll wash any clothes I have worn and rejuvinate my scentlock. Scent freak I guess. De-scent-ta-tize (good one) away, you can never be too clean.

I agree Jollyarcher (cool name), the senses of the deer are world renowned. Little buggers can peg you all the time.

2 other often overlooked peices of gear are , your release and the wallet in your pocket .

I don't get that carried away with it, never have. the most important thing is to hunt with the wind in your favor. You will never totally eliminate your own oder believe it or not.

Your time would be better spent trying to understand how wind currents move on any given day.. []