Ive had the scent smoker for my guess would be about five years. Im telling you guys I have tried EVERYTHING I thought stood a chance. Dont ever smoke a face mask, it will choke you out. I never had what I could consider negative reactions but I never had one either when I thought I got away with murder.
The wind does really funny things, it should be a topic every hunter studies and never quits studying because the influence on it in different areas is crazy. Thermals, chimney effects, on shore off shore breezes, flowing water, saddles, powerlines, pines... theres always something different happening. Milkweed seeds really help tell a story when you think you might be beating a deer.
Im convinced part of the reason John doesnt have as many wind problems is he goes ultra high, no matter how you cut it 30' is up there and the wind is much more steady at that height, that was one thing I loved about a climber. About the only time there wouldnt be an advantage up high is in dead calm days.
I really dont believe you can beat a deer in the scent stream, ground scent probably scent stream no way. Go set a smoke bomb off in the woods now that season is over, do it at the bottom of a hill, do it at the top. Create a smoky fire and stand up wind, what happens? It eddies and blows it back in your face.