You may already take extra precautions to remain scent-free by keeping your camo in a plastic tub, using and storing your ScentLok or ScentBlocker in plastic zipper bags, and you may use various scent elimination or neutralizing systems like ScentKiller spray by Wildlife Research Center or H.S. Scents "Scent-A-Way Spray" by Hunter’s Specialties on your clothing.  Yet if you fail to thoroughly check the personal grooming products used on a daily basis, you may end up with an unfilled tag at the end of the season.

1. Use scent-free shampoos, conditioners and hair gels at least one day previous to hunting, and throughout your hunt. I use Hunter’s Specialties "Scent-A-Way" Shampoo and Body Soap, advertised to eliminate human odor and ScentKiller’s Anti-Odor Bar Soap.

2.  DON’T use hairspray the day before leaving on a hunt or for the duration of your hunt. Smelly!

3. DON’T use perfumes either…..no further explanation necessary.

4. Use unscented laundry detergent on regular laundry to be worn during hunting, like long underwear, socks, and undergarments, as well as on your camouflage clothing. Use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda     or Unscented Laundry Soap marketed specifically for hunters, and don’t use scented dryer sheets. Hang clothing outside to dry whenever possible.

5. Go without make-up, or at least minimize the make-up you use when hunting. Cosmetics often contain perfumes that may escape detection by our noses, but would definitely tip-off a deer to our presence. I         stick with eyeliner and mascara only. My preferred shade of rouge tends to be black, brown, and green.

 **Use caution when purchasing camouflage face paint as various cheaper brands may have a distinct odor! I recommend "Hunter’s Specialties Camo Creme Make-Up". There’s no smell and it washes off easily with soap and water.

6.  Use only unscented lotions, moisturizers, and deodorants during hunting outings. This includes shaving lotions, hand, body or face lotions, soaps, and underarm antiperspirants or deodorants.

7. Use unscented dish soaps and cleaners at your cabin or camp.

8. Don’t visit your favorite hair salon for a perm or special hair treatment days before departing on a hunt, the chemicals used may carry a heavy scent even several days afterwards and even after several shampoos.

9. Remove scented "car deodorizers" from your hunting vehicle, especially if you’ll be driving a long distance. Even though you may change clothes before hunting, your hair can still absorb these "fresh scents". The same goes here for eating in your car on the way to a hunt….avoid fried foods and flavored coffees or cappuccinos, the smells can easily be transferred to your body and carried into the woods with you.

10. When using scent-elimination spray or cover scent, don’t forget to spray it into your hair also. Longer hair can act like a magnet for trapping and carrying odors into the woods.

Use common sense when hunting and weed-out the common scents you use daily. Read the product labels, check the various ingredients used and exercise caution when purchasing your personal supplies. Thoroughly review the items you currently use which may contain scented additives and perfumes destined to spoil your otherwise well-planned hunt. It may appear unnecessary to go to these extremes at first, but once you revamp your hunting season habits and incorporate these simple changes into your daily hunting rituals you may be rewarded in big ways, and you may just come out smelling like roses after all. Good luck!