Who uses deer scent?

[Nantahala Nut]

I tried estrus last year and didn't have much luck. I did have one situation where the estrus may have been a contributing factor.  It was Dec 1st in PA (late for the rut) but I figured maybe a buck would think its a doe that came back in late.  I had a 2 year old come in from downwind and stop 10 feet behind me.  I had sprayed it on my boots before I did some walking.  I was also in his bedding area so that was why he was there but I think he came so close because the scent made him a little more curious than normal.  He wasnt a legal buck so we stared at each other for a few seconds before he realized I didnt belong.

To summarize:  I don't think bucks will be pulled into the area by scent.  I think it can help get them a little closer if they are already passing through though.  The post about bucks responding better in an area with more breeding competition makes a lot of sense.

[Skinnybill]

I'm chuckling over the old fat guy comment 7 lakes.  I've had success with Deer Dander and just regular doe urine.  Estrus urine is tricky because you can scare deer if you use at the wrong time.

[J-dog]

Only two scents I ever saw work with my eyes, meaning deer were sniffing it or putting their heads up or down in it was Bob Kirschners curiosity scent and imitation vanilla.

I spent a year using my trail cam to see if deer would work a mock scrape or put scent out and see what or how deer reacted to it. Ehhh? disappointed to say the least. I just have strange deer???? Yes I kept the area clean, and tried not to stink it up, basically did just as I would if I was trapping coyotes or bobcats and they are super sensitive if they think they smell human in any way, much more than deer.

Just keep wind straight and hunt these days! keep scents for trapping fur in the cold months.