Ready or Not, Go-Time has Arrived for Hunters
by LOU MARULLO | TF&G Hunting Editor
LISTEN: (5 min, 23 sec)
THE GOLDEN TIME HAS FINALLY ARRIVED! Those long hot days of summer have given way to beautiful cooler fall weather. Whitetail season is here baby! And all those days filled with sweat as you scouted for that big deer are over. All those hours of walking through your favorite hunting spot are a memory. And all of those days of just visualizing your upcoming deer season are finally a reality. Now it is go time! Are you fully prepared?
Your tree stands should already be up, safety straps that hold the stands in place should have already been loosened and then tightened against the tree. If they look worn, replace them. Remember that the trees will continue to grow, and nature will tighten that strap during the off season. Make sure they are safe to use.
I am sure the readers of this column know how crazy I get when it comes to scent control. If you are one of the people that are not familiar, then buckle up…the ride is about to begin!
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If there is only one thing you get from reading my column over the years, then this is it. You must respect the nose of a whitetail deer. Not only do these creatures have excellent vision that can detect movement from across a field, but their hearing is also superb. If there is the slightest sound that is unnatural to the area they are in, these majestic animals will pinpoint exactly where it is coming from and be alerted for any danger. Add that super nose to the mix and it is a wonder we can ever get close enough for a humane shot. So, here are some ways to control some of your human scent.
First and foremost, you need to understand that most products that are made to hide your scent will never hide all of it. But anything can help. Wash your hunting clothes in a scent free detergent. There are many on the market today and all seem to be good. Do not make the mistake of putting them in a dryer with those scented dryer sheets that smell like you just walked through a flower garden! Wildlife Research Center makes an earth scent dryer sheet. As a matter of fact, Wildlife Research Center has a large inventory of products to help hide your human scent. And I still use most of them.
Deodorant that is scent free is a must. Boots that are left in a plastic container along with your hunting clothes is a great idea. I know some friends that go to their hunting location and scoop up some of the leaves and debris and put it in a plastic bag. Then, they store their hunting clothes in the bag as well. When they arrive at their area to hunt, they open the bag and dress for the hunt. Believe me, this helps hide your odor and it does work.
People that wear their hunting boots on the way to their spot are not thinking of the consequences. Did you stop and get gas? Any foreign smell will send deer to another county and quick.
The one and only thing I have found that truly hides human scent is from Ozonics. I put an Ozonics 300 to the test one year and was amazed at the results. I purposely set up so that the wind would take my scent directly towards where deer were expected to enter a field. And as planned, when the whitetails arrived, I just sat in my tree stand and waited for them to pick me out. What I witnessed was something I would not soon forget. Although they lifted up their nose, they did not smell human odor. The ozone created by the Ozonics machine hid my scent 100 percent. As a matter of fact, the deer ended up walking right under my location none the wiser!
Ozonics have now come out with a new and improved version called the Ozonics HR 600. I gave that a test as well and noticed that the improvements were noticeable and a welcomed addition to any hunting backpack. The new design makes it much quieter and comes with a replaceable coil so that this unit can be used for years to come. The biggest thing I noticed was the battery life. In the 300, the battery would last about 3 hours in the field. In the Ozonics HR 600, the smart battery will last about 13 hours!! Wow! Finally, you could spend many more hours in your stand without worrying about the battery going dead! Can you tell I love this machine? Once I strap myself in a tree, the Ozonics is the first thing I set up.
With Christmas right around the corner, I cannot think of a better gift for the hunter in your family. Of course, there are so many other fantastic gifts for the outdoorsman or woman in your life. Tree stands, arrows, broadheads, hunting boots, flashlights… and so much more. You may have to be more creative when you shop for the man who has everything. I once had a woman come to me and she overheard me ask what can I give a man who has everything. She immediately spoke up and said, “Give him my phone number!” So, I did! And he never forgave me!
It is my sincere hope that you have a memorable hunting season this year and, my deepest wish for a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.
Have fun and hunt safe!
Email Lou Marullo at ContactUs@fishgame.com
