Question on wind

[Jock Whisky]

I have a couple of stands that can only be approached from the west. They are located on a steep sided ridge. Coming in from another direction is not an option because of topography and land ownership. During the rut deer can move through the area at any time, not just in early am and late pm. To go by my stand they will have travelled east or west on the ridge. My stand is twelve feet up a tree. I will walk in from the west and usually manage to sit for about four hours.

So how far does the wind have to carry my scent before it has dissipated enough that it won't be a problem for deer coming from the east?
Because I've walked the trail that the deer use when coming from the west am I wasting my time? I wear rubber boots on the way in and have my pants tucked into them.

[troutbum1]

Iv'e walked some deer trails to stands too. I wear rubber boots, masking scent on the boots, Scent killer spray and don't touch noting. Getting in early enough and letting every thing get back to normal is what counts. That's if i cant avoid there trails to my stand. Good luck.

[non-typical]

Strong soda water wash on boots might help and if you're really ambitious cut an onion and smear it on the bottom of your boots to obliterate human odor.

[ChuckC]

Try something.  Wear waders and a light rain jacket on the way in.  Then ditch them 60 - 70 yards from your stand.

I have had some VERY close encounters while wearing waders.  Not sure if it was a series of flukes or something with the waders.

ChuckC

[Charlie Lamb]

It's always best not to walk where the game does. Sometimes we just don't have an option... like your situation.

As has been said, get in early. Don't touch anything on the way in. If your path is clear enough so that all that touches is the soles of your boots you can avoid detection.

Use no scent sprays on your pants if you can't avoid contact with brush. It does work.

[KSdan]

My pruners are always available to snip twigs and such that may brush my body.

If I understand correctly, it really won't matter about scent dissipating as any deer downwind of you will likely nail you.

[overbo]

Sounds like you need to figure a better option of a stand. The deer eventually have to turn to a cross wind somewhere down that path.

[The Ole' Bowhunter]

I would think that a total and dedicated scent-eliminating regime would be in order.  Before heading out, take a scent-free shower, wear fresh washed scent-free clothing and make sure your gear is also scent free.  I'ed also recommend using a doe-in-heat scent bomb every once in a while once in your tree-stand...still, its no guarantee. Good Luck and let us know how you make out.

[Whip]

I would try to do whatever I could to avoid walking on the deer trails if at all possible. Rubber boots and scent elimination can help but is not fool proof.

Make a trail of your own to one side or the other looping a good distance off it if possible. The deer might end up using your trail as well, but they usually take the past of least resistance, so make yours a little less direct and more difficult.

[jacobsladder]

I don't think we can fool a mature buck or does nose.   I agree with Whip.

[Terry Lightle]

What Whip said,same situation behind my cabin.Made my own trail and the deer like it too.