Most hunters know the importance of washing hunting clothes with scent-eliminating detergents and storing them in scent-free bags before every hunt is essential to fooling a whitetail deer’s nose, yet many overlook other gear such as gun cases or bow quivers which could retain offensive human scents even after they are no longer hunting.

Base Layers

Base layers (commonly referred to as thermal underwear) are key in scent control efforts, acting like second skin against sweat and keeping you feeling dry and secure while remaining undetectable by game animals.

Base layers come in all sorts of weights from ultralight to expedition depending on your environment and activity level, but their main purpose is keeping you dry. A tight fit for base layers is crucial in order to stay in place without scrunching up or pulling as you move around.

Most reputable brands now provide odor-controlling base layers, including ScentLok, Under Armour and Nomad Outdoor. ScentLok utilizes their patented Trinity technology with silver fibers and activated carbon to eliminate human odors while Under Armour features their UA Scent Control fabric with antimicrobial silver to minimize human smell.

Jackets

Jackets are an integral component of any hunting outfit, serving as an intermediary layer between base layers and mid layers, enabling quick adaptation as weather changes occur.

Imagine this: As you wait patiently for that gobbler to pass by, unbeknownst to you, nearby deer are sensing your scent through the air and emitting warning snorts that send other local deer running for cover in fear.

Scent-control clothing from brands such as SITKA Gear, Under Armour, ScentLok and Nomad Outdoor can help prevent this. Their options help minimize human scent while providing warmth and comfort; plus their technology matches different hunting styles, environments and budgets.

Pants

No matter if it’s hunting pants or camouflage hoodie, hunters need to feel at ease while in the field. Thankfully, many modern scent control hunting clothing manufacturers provide pants made with breathable fabrics that reduce body odor so hunters can remain hidden from their prey.

When it comes to washing and drying hunting apparel, hunters should use scent-eliminating soaps and dryer sheets. Furthermore, some hunters take additional measures by washing their hunting attire in special scent-eliminating sprays.

Some hunters go as far as to use an ozone gear bag that generates ozone to remove bacteria and molecules causing foul odors from clothing, gear and accessories. Though many believe these products don’t work, many hunters have found them essential to their success in the woods.

Socks

Socks are an integral component of the mid layer and play an essential role in controlling scent. To be most effective, socks must be breathable, moisture wicking and antimicrobial to avoid sweat build-up that may contribute to unpleasant odors.

Socks should also be made with fabrics designed to control foot perspiration. Excess sweat causes water-logged feet and blisters; bamboo and wool fabrics offer great odor-absorbing solutions that help eliminate this excess sweat – an excellent option for hunters.

Weight of Socks | Hunter Supply Inc. The weight of your socks plays an integral part of hunting success. Select the appropriate weight sock depending on what kind of boots and physical intensity of hunt you will be engaging in, for instance heavier socks might be necessary when using full grain leather boots compared with light hiker boots.

Boots

Hunters have come to appreciate the importance of defeating whitetail deer’s sense of smell with scent-control sprays and clothing linings, but any telltale human odor left in boots will render these efforts null and void.

Rubber hunting boots provide a distinct scent advantage over leather ones, which don’t “breathe.” Rubber locks in smell molecules for storage inside its walls.

Bowhunters often prefer rubber boots over other options when hunting whitetail deer, while gun hunters may get away with more scent transfer from their clothing. All whitetail hunters must prioritize scent control as it could compromise shot opportunities when there’s an opportunity knocking.