Even if you shower in no-scent soap right before your hunt, the little bit you sweat going to your stand will turn into a powerful stench to deer. That’s why smart hunters compulsively use commercial scent killers. The problem is that their cost can make you apply them sparingly, which is like putting deodorant on only one armpit.
Here’s a simple homemade scent killer. Hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria and fungi that turn sweat into a deer-busting funk, and baking soda deodorizes whatever sneaks by.
HOW IT’S DONE
Step 1 SHOP
Assemble the ingredients:
• 2 cups (16 ounces) 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 2 cups (16 ounces) distilled water
• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 ounce unscented shampoo (available at drug or health-food stores)
Step 2 MIX
Gently combine all the ingredients in a large bowl until the baking soda dissolves. Pour this mixture into a 1-gallon lidded container, such as a milk jug. Let it sit for three days with the lid on loosely to allow gases to escape.
Step 3 BOTTLE
Fill a plastic bottle that has a trigger sprayer with the scent killer. It must be clean, so buy a new one from a hardware store or online (usplastics.com).
Step 4 WIPE
To make scent-killing wipes, place plain brown multifold paper towels–the kind that come in stacks, not on a roll–in a small plastic tub with an airtight lid. Cover them with scent killer and let it soak in. Pour out excess liquid and replace the lid. Now you can wipe down boots, bows, and stands, and even use a towel or two to neutralize the sweat you produce shinnying up that perfect white oak.
WHAT YOU NEED
• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• Distilled Water
• Baking Soda
• Shampoo
COST $10
DIFFICULTY Easy