Quick Answer
Scent control is crucial when using distress calls to lure in predators, as even minimal human scent can repel animals. By minimizing your scent, you increase the likelihood of attracting predators to your calls. Effective scent control techniques can greatly improve your hunting success.
Minimizing Scent on Gear
When using distress calls, it’s essential to minimize human scent on your equipment. Apply a scent-killing spray or powder to your calls, as well as any other gear that may come into contact with the predator. For example, use a product containing permethrin or picaridin on your calls and clothing. Additionally, store your gear in sealed bags or containers to prevent scent from accumulating.
Clothing and Personal Scent Control
Wearing clothing treated with scent-controlling materials can also help minimize human scent. Consider using clothing with built-in insect repellents or scent-absorbing fabrics. When removing clothing after a hunt, wash them immediately to prevent scent from re-depositing on the gear. When applying bug spray, use a scent-free or low-scent option, and reapply only as necessary to minimize re-depositing human scent.
Handling Calls and Setup
When handling distress calls, avoid touching the emitting surface with your bare hands. Instead, use a clean, dry cloth or a pair of gloves to handle the calls and minimize human scent transfer. When setting up calls, position them in an area with minimal human scent, such as in a small depression or under a rock overhang. This will help attract predators to the calls without being repelled by human scent.
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