Sipsey
Well-Known Member
I've read with interest most of the posts on scent elimination strategies and techniques. I've tried a good many of these over several decades with some success. What I've not seen mentioned, and maybe overlooked, was the gradual degradation of the rubber in boots over time. I was made acutely aware that my rubber boots held scent one day years back on a bow hunt. My neighbor lets me bow hunt his property behind my house. I usually kept my cloths and boots on back porch and after showering simply stepped out, dressed, took a shot at my target and headed out through my swampy back yard and up a dirt road to where I hunted. This one particular day I purposely walked and waded in some puddles/mud to make sure my boots were scent free. I had to walk across a trail to my stand. As I waited I saw two figures headed down a trail to where I had walked. It was two coyotes and as soon as they hit my tracks they bolted as if shot at. I was downwind. After reading a good bit trying to figure it out I came across an article that stated that rubber boots have a lifespan of a few years before they develop small cracks, which will then retain scent if not meticulously cleaned. Anyone else experience being busted while wearing rubber boots? I've seen someone post that they use peroxide for cleaning their boots. Any other suggestions?