Scent Control/Wood Smoke

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Scent Control/Wood Smoke

by Steve
(Idaho )

I was wondering if anyone has any insight on the effect that wood smoke on your hunting clothes has on game? Does it alarm them? Do they not really show much reaction?

I've heard differing opinions on this. Some say the scent of wood smoke on clothing does not have any effect on game--meaning they will not become alarmed by it as they would to natural body odor or other scents. Some even say it helps. Others say any "camp" odor is cause for alarm to elk and deer, unless there is smoke in the area from a distant wildfire. Does anyone have any opinion on this? I ask only since I will be camping solo on a few hunts in Sept. and if conditions get nasty and cold, I may light a small fire.

Thanks in advance!

- Steve

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Scent Control/Wood Smoke

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Oct 21, 2011

Wood Smoke
by: Tater

I have to agree with the rest of the hunters. Any strange smell could alarm deer. I can't tell you about elk, my first hunt coming in a few days. Smoke could mean danger since it could mean fire, and danger. I tend to agree it's more change of atmosphere and normal smells. I heard that the plain tribe Indians used sweet grass smoke to mask their scent when hunting on the plains. Good luck on whichever way you end up. Smoked or Smokeless *-)

Aug 19, 2011

Scent Control/Wood Smoke
by: Dave, Elk Hunting Tips (MT)

I think you're right. One thing that I have learned about elk is that they are much more able to "reason" than a deer is. Elk seem to be able to figure things out just by observation and make complex decisions. I have watched lead cows bringing herds up from hay pastures through a line of hidden archers waiting for them. They seem to weave their way through the crowd so that no one gets a shot by simply studying the terrain before they decide which route to take. Then the next day they will do it differently, I guess depending on how the wind is blowing, etc.

Elk seem to be able to recognize something is different and avoid it. I'm convinced they even know how to hide their vitals with trees when they stop to look where they think they have heard an elk (me!). I don't think they think so linearly as to decide "smoke means forest fire somewhere". I think they can think, "Man fire, not forest fire." They avoid humans with great stealth until they can't shoot them. Then they know they can bunch up in yards in town, if need be, while people walk all around them. They're "smarter than the average bear".

Aug 19, 2011

Smoke scent effect
by: Skip Shephard

Hi Steve,

My guess is that the smell of wood smoke by an elk or deer would certainly alert them to be very aware of a change in their environment. To me it would be a signal to "get otta Dodge!"

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Scent Control/Wood Smoke

Comments for Scent Control/Wood Smoke

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Scent Control/Wood Smoke