Going natural in nature when hunting is hard to do sometimes. With all of the advances in today's cover scents, scent removal products and insect repellant systems who can tell what natural is anymore.
I don't know if there's a difference between the way I hunt and the way others hunt, or if it even matters. What I do know is I typically (because of good fortune mostly) see and harvest more higher quality game than my friends using similar techniques.
As I sit here at 6:00 am on a Saturday morning bow hunting a beautiful 19000 acre ranch the wind is NOT in my favor, the moon is fairly bright and the Mosquitos could stand flat footed and give a turkey what for.
Yet, out of this make shift ground blind I was able to take a turkey and get a shot on a super nice 8 point buck yesterday. The turkey was taken at 10 yds and my buck came in from DEAD DOWNWIND!
As is sit here this morning I wish I had my thermacell set up because the Mosquitos are tearing up my hands. I resist, though, because I prefer not to add scent layers if there is any way possible. I don't know if there is ANY scent given off by these tools that we use for creating comfort in the field, but I usually resist finding out.
To me mixing insect repellant (even if it is scent free) with various other products I use to reduce my human signature just doesn't make sense. I'm sure they work great, and there's a ton of scientific backing for it. To me it's like adding leak stop to your motor to cure a bad head gasket, or a leaky radiator. The way I was taught, you remove the bad part, and repair it, then re-install it. So, my skepticism most likely has more to do with the way I was raised. It's pretty rare when the "easy" way works as well as the "right way".
Don't get me wrong... I do use my thermacell. But this morning I would prefer to tough it. My friends are using theirs this morning no doubt. Will they see more or will I? That's just the luck of the draw to me. All I know is when I tough it I am more in tune with nature and that helps me get an edge on my game.
I guess the reality is that all of this helps me justify my mosquito bites. I think I see more game within shooting distance though because of it. I also think the game is more relaxed and less spooky when they do come in. My true objective is to remain un noticed until I take my shot. To me... Going natural helps me do that with more consistency.
So if youre having a hard time getting game or big bucks to come in down wind.... And, they almost always come in down wind... Try stripping down the scent products you are using and going a little more natural. Wash your clothes in scent free.... Spray down your gear... Spray down when u walk into ur stand... Make sure your stuff is washed scent free.... make sure you are too...and that's it...
Maybe it will help your hunts too!
By: Steven Wiley
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