First and foremost if you are just starting out and have to buy camouflage anyway; by all means buy something with scent blocking or eliminating technology. However, if you are like most and have a budget to consider then you might want to ask yourself a few questions before making the switch.
How much time do you spend on the land you hunt?
I listed this question first because I believe this is the biggest area where scent control can be grossly overrated. I will take me for example. When I was younger and on the go I did not spend much time on the land I hunt. This being a few years ago, there wasn't much of any options as far as scent control. I found that I was being winded a lot hunting in the swamp and not as much on the field. It seemed when I hunted over a bait in the swamp I would hear the infamous scent busting deer blow almost half of the time. In other words I would have benefited greatly having a product available today to help mask my scent. Fast forward several years and the market is flooded with products. To date I own only extreme weather scent control clothing and found I get no difference in the amount of times I am busted. How is this so? Simple, I spend a lot of time on the property doing various activities. I am part of the everyday scents of the land not associated with danger. Just like a deer associates a chainsaw with food, they associate smells with different things. So if you live on the property you hunt, chances are you don't need to invest in scent technologies. If you are checking cameras, cutting wood, or simply enjoying your property frequently then you probably don't need scent controlling technology. Now if you don't spend as much time as you would like on your hunting land, then by all means invest.
What season are looking to hunt?
Different seasons are different on almost every level and it is no different for scent control. So if you are hunting archery season you are more likely to need scent control then if you are hunting rifle season. Now if your area is a shotgun only region then you might put more weight in scent control than if you hunt with a high powered rifle. So simply ask yourself how close are you to the deer you plan to harvest.
What terrain do you hunt in?
Terrain can be a crucial factor in deciding if you need to upgrade your wardrobe. If you find yourself in a cedar swamp where the air movement is more stagnant you should emphasize on scent control. On the flip side if you are on an open field you probably don't need to take much notice to the issue.
What are you hunting for?
Lastly, everyone's goals are different and their scent control needs change with those expectations. Are you the hunter who is out for meat and the weight of the deer means no more to you than how many meals you will get? If so you shouldn't be worrying about scent control as much as the horn hunter. Now if you are like me and are interested in a mature buck, scent control matters a whole lot more and you might not want to take the chance.
I do want to mention a few last points for you to consider on scent control. If you decide to use a spray, soap, or cleaning product please don't. I say that for the following reasons. If you can smell it yourself then the deer can smell it too. If the deer can smell it then I am willing to bet it isn't a natural smell they come across in the woods. And lastly if you have a significant other and like them even a little bit then don't even consider using fox urine or any other urine to cover your scent. Yes, I have tried it.
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