Quick Answer
Elk hunters in New Mexico must control their scent to avoid alerting elk to their presence, as a single whiff of human scent can cause a large herd to vacate the area.
Scent Control Essentials
In New Mexico, elk are highly sensitive to human scent, and a single mistake can be costly. To minimize scent, hunters should shower or bathe the night before a hunt, using soap that is free of fragrances. This will help reduce the amount of scent on the skin, which can then be further minimized by applying scent control products.
Effective Scent Control Products
When choosing scent control products, hunters should look for products that contain odor-neutralizing agents, such as zeolites or activated charcoal. These products can absorb human scent, reducing the likelihood of detection. In New Mexico, hunters should apply these products to their skin, clothing, and gear, paying particular attention to areas where human scent is most concentrated, such as the armpits, groin, and hands.
Advanced Scent Control Techniques
To further minimize scent, hunters can use advanced techniques such as using scent-eliminating laundry detergent and dryer sheets. These products can help reduce the amount of human scent on clothing, which can then be minimized further by applying scent control products. Additionally, hunters can use scent-eliminating sprays on their gear, such as rifles and binoculars, to reduce the amount of human scent that is transferred to the elk.
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