Quick Answer
Scent control effectiveness during bear calling trips is moderate, with a well-executed plan involving scent elimination and concealment techniques allowing hunters to remain undetected for up to 12 hours. However, factors like wind direction and human scent can compromise even the best efforts. Effective scent control can increase calling success rates by 20-30%.
Scent Elimination Techniques
Proper scent elimination is key to successful bear calling. Hunters should shower or bathe at least 24 hours prior to the hunt, using odor-neutralizing soap and shampoo. A 3% to 5% concentration of baking soda paste applied to the body, particularly the hands and face, can also help reduce human scent. In addition, hunters should wear clothing treated with scent-eliminating chemicals or technologies, such as ScentBlocker or Sitka Gear’s eVent technology. Finally, a well-maintained rifle and other equipment can also minimize human scent.
Scent Concealment and Deception
Even with effective scent elimination, hunters must still conceal and deceive bears during calling trips. One technique is to create a “scent bridge,” where a hunter’s scent is carried away from the calling site by wind or other means. This can be achieved by placing a few sprays of bear-attracting pheromones or lures upwind of the calling site. Another technique is to use a “scent anchor,” a piece of clothing or equipment that contains the hunter’s scent but is not directly associated with the calling site. This can help bears associate the scent with a different location, making it easier for the hunter to remain undetected.
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