Total human scent elimination may be impossible, yet reducing it dramatically can save a hunt. If a deer hears a gunshot a mile away, it may look up, but then behave normally, because it does not perceive a threat. If the gun shot is just over the ridge, the deer will react far differently. So it is with human scent. Make human odor seem “a mile away” and that buck gets fooled.
Most hunters choose a stand with a favorable wind, yet what about getting to the 
stand? What if the wind changes or swirls? If you don’t follow scent-elimination practices, you’re just a giant, stinking, scent wick in a tree, where everything downwind of your stand will get plenty of warning. Reducing human scent contamination is easy, especially with today’s new products. Here’s are seven steps to the sweet smell of success.
1. Hang outer gear outside two days before the hunt or store them in a scent-proof bag with fresh earth or a few cedar bows. Air out your backpack, pull-up rope, bow, and other gear.
2. Take a shower and use deer-hunting soaps that kill bacteria after you’re dry.
3. Don’t buy gas on the way and avoid contamination from restaurants.
4. Watch your step. Wear rubber boots and approach your stand from downwind.
![th[3]](http://www.eregulations.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/th3.jpg)
5. Dress lightly. Carry middle and outer layers under your arm or on a backpack.
6. Wear a wicking, scent-removing layer like Scent Blocker’s new Trinity 1.5 Performance Shirt, shown at left.
7. Secure your safety harness and spray down. Spray your head, hair, and face, especially if you’ve worked up a sweat.
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