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Scent Smoker

That's a good post!

I read an article many years ago by Bill Winke which he wrote that THE MOST IMPORTANT thing in hunting is being able to get in and out of your stand undetected. When I'm scouting that's the thing I'm most concerned with: entry and exit routes.

Concerning the scent smoker, I used it for the better part of last season. Deer definitely smell you, but they don't necessarily associate it with danger. Some of them weren't phased at all, others got nervous and moved away. However the ones that get nervous don't blow, stomp and act-a-fool. So I would say the scent smoker is a good option, but it's not a magic bullet by any stretch.
 
I have been using a bee hive smoker for at least five years now and I have found it to invaluable tool. I don't believe I have been busted since I have been using it. I have been busted because of movement and poor back cover but nothing from my down wind side has blown or stomped at me. I have had coyotes down wind at 20 yd with no clue. I have shot bucks with a muzzleloader at less than thirty yards and had the plume of smoke drift straight toward them at the shot. Last year I had the biggest buck I have seen from the stand work his way in to with in feet of me. The whole time dead down wind of me.
I am very meticulous about scent control system. I wash my clothes in scent free laundry soap, tumble dry and hang outside to be smoked. Once every item is smoked ( except face coverings ) they are folded and place in a Jumbo Zip Loc bag. Backpack, rubber boots, harness, knifes, releases, pull up rope ...etc gets smoked and put in a big Rubbermaid bin. Every part of my weapon gets smoke as well. After I shower, I go outside and smoke my body, then put on my scent free driving clothes. Upon arrival to my hunting area, I change into my camo and go.
I always keep the wind in mind but it isn't a deal breaker for me anymore.
 
I started smoking my clothes years ago and I have not noticed getting busted any more than I did before. I just don't have enough data either for or against it. I don't think that I hurts whatsoever though. Plus an added bonus my wife thinks it smells great! I use cedar chips.

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I've smoke everything I own, boots, saddle, bow.......anything that goes into the woods with me. Been doing this for years, I don't see myself ever quitting.
I rub my boots and haands in the ashes to help with scent issues.
I don't use a bee smoker, I use the charcoal starter tower that goes with my old and gone grill.
I'll take leaves and mash them into the tower tightly. As I get closer to the top, I loosen the leaves up so they will catch fire easier. When flame gets to the tighter packed leaves, smoke and plenty of it.
I used to hang everything inside a box to smoke but now I just place all my gear on my trailer (mesh bottom) cover with painters plastic and after the tower starts smoking, I place it under the trailer, the plastic catches the smoke and holds the smoke on the gear. I'll smoke again after I get to my parking spot and focus on my body more than gear. Dig my gear out of my tubs, get dressed and head out.
 
I have typically used any hardwood from the area, for me I think the easiest is a bag of smoker chips or pellets- usually hickory. With that said some people have reported being sensitive to hickory smoke and use others.
 
I have been smoking myself and my clothes for over 25 years. My grandfather and all my uncles did the same. I am primarily a stalk hunter.....til this year (ill be using a saddle). We have all had really good success doing it, smoke is an odor deer are familiar with. Plus, it tends to absorb most other odors. Thst being said, if you live in an area where no one uses wood stoves it might not work for you
 
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