Hang in there with me boys. In a few weeks I’ll have shook this hunting bug which consumes me during the month of November. For many of us we currently find ourselves on 8 day countdown until we chamber up our rifles. Opening morning will find many men sitting motionless in deer stands across our great state.
If I had to point to one thing I’ve felt has contributed to both my success and failures it would surely be centered around scent. For many years I’ve given scent extreme focus; To the extent some members of past parties thought it was crazy. Like many others I’ve invested a small fortune on both attractants and cover scents over the years.
Still something simple that can be done by all hunters is not expensive at all. Let your hunting clothes air out. Wash in no scent soap if you need to. Here in the heart of the “Northwoods” I’m afforded the luxury of airing out my personal hunting attire in the pine forests. This allows them to absorbe the same scents that I will soon be hunting within. A couple days prior to hunting I bag up my clothes, gloves, caps, boots, backpacks……EVERYTHING I wear in plastic bags. Each plastic bag has a few pine branches in them. Some guys will simply hang their Jacket or bibs…..Don’t forget that EVERYTHING you have including backpacks give off an odor……The only thing I don’t leave to air out of course is my rifle. “SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND!!”
Lord knows come opening morning I smell “Pine Fresh”. I believe this natural cover scent does a tremendous job masking the smell of my excitment.
Guys looking to stomp that buck this year may just want to consider scent as a priority. You can be perfectly quite and still only to be busted by the tremendous nose of a mature buck or doe. Heck your dog smells you right?? Do you suppose that deer being hunted by wolves on a daily basis doesn’t have his/her NOSE in the game?? Taking your boots into the bar or smoke filled hunting shack in my mind is simply sloppy. Guys often smell like Pepper Bacon, Cigarettes, Jerky and Booze the next morning. I assure you if YOU can smell it it is a flashing beacon of scent serving as a warning sign for thousands for deer. You best be hunting far downwind at all times for any consistent chance at success.
Again this season I hope……….SAFETY remains the top priority for us all. Handle your rifles and knives with extreme caution. Take good compass readings and be very cautious entering and exiting your stands. As a nice precaution try give other members of your party a general idea of what your plans might be for the day/hunt. This may help make a search more efficient should any sort of accident occur or you become disoriented. If your hunting alone leave a note in your vehicle, hotel room or camp.
Lastly for all new hunters this year; There truly isn’t a a more exciting time. We’ll have a new 13 year old with us his year as well. First of all congratulations on passiing your firearms safety course and good luck in the woods!! Many accidents or poor judgement occur during the heat of action. Shooting a deer is the ultimate prize for both young and old hunters alike. Knee shaking excitement is normal for even the most seasoned deer hunters. Before making your way to the deer you’ve shot at…..CALM YOURSELF; Take the time to be sure your SAFETY is on. If your not precisely sure where you are or the way out take a compass reading. If by chance that deer is not finished and he/she leads you on a chase this often can lead in you becoming lost.
Pack a small safety/first aid kit this season. Truly this is a simple item we all should carry in our backpacks, especially for the guys like me that cover LOTS of ground. Be sure matches are part of it.
Have a great 2011 season everyone!! Safety first……..THEN GET ON TOP OF “Da 30 pointer” 
“Did you see da 30 Pointer!!??” That time of year fellas!!
