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Ask Winke
Using Scents
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  • What do you do to control coyotes? Do you think they are impacting deer numbers? Do you use scents when deer hunting?
    Todd from OH asks:
    Love the show! We have had a big increase in coyotes in our area. What do you guys do to control them and what is the impact on the deer? I tune into most of your shows and never hear you guys talk about deer scent, such as doe or buck urine. Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Todd, I think the coyotes are a big reason that deer numbers are dropping in some areas. I think it is a big deal, bigger the DNRs are willing to admit. I think they eat a lot of fawns. Experts tell me that there is only one way to hold them in check and that is trapping. While hunting them may be fun, it is not nearly efficient enough to really control them. We need a decent fur market or some kind of bounty to bring them down. I don't use scents much. I think in the right situation they will work, but I have never spent much time experimenting with scents so I am unsure how best to employ them without alerting deer. Good luck. (11-27-11)
  • Are attractants like CMere Deer legal in MO?
    jim nesbitt from TX asks:
    I know that baiting is not allowed in missouri but how about attractants such as Cmere Deer types
    Winke Responds:
    Jim, Not sure on that one. Better check with the regulations or better yet, a local game warden. I don't know the MO laws that well and have never actually tried using those kinds of attractants. Good luck. (11-16-11)
  • What is the best attractant to use during the pre-rut?
    Jon from MO asks:
    What is the best deer attractant to use in the early stages of the rut?
    Winke Responds:
    Jon, I am not a very good source for information about scents since I have never used them much. I would defer to the company literature which usually suggests using a curiosity scent or food scent up until about this time (last week of October) and then switching over to a doe in estrous scent. I am not sure if that is the best strategy or not, but I guess it is a place to start. I am sure that estrous scent is a good idea for the times when does are in estrous, so anytime after Halloween makes sense to me. Territorial scents like mock scrape scents and tarsal gland scents might work well now too as the bucks are still finalizing their dominance and scraping quite a bit. Good luck.
  • Do you use scents? If so, which ones?
    Eric from IL asks:
    Mr.Winke Im a huge fan of the show, my question is do you ever use scents such as doe pee of anything like that during the season and which brands do you prefer and buck or doe estrus or not. Thanks for your time keep up the good work and good luck this season.
    Winke Responds:
    Eric, I don't use them. I don't have a good reason for not doing it. I just never started and decided that I would focus on hunting areas that deer move through and sit there as quietly and with as little scent and intrusion as possible. I think they would work well for stopping a deer in a shooting lane for the shot, for example, or positioning a deer near your stand with a mock scrape. That makes a lot of sense, but actually trying to get deer to come to the stand because they smell the scent and come in on the wind, is something I don't want to start messing with. It may work well, but I feel that I set up in places where no deer can get downwind of me or where the deer downwind can't smell me so that part of it is not as useful to me. Just be sure that you go to great care (great care) to be sure that you are scent free if you are going to lay down extra tracks around your stand location. Good luck.
  • When should I start putting out scents? What are your methods for using scents?
    Tyler from NC asks:
    Winke i ihunt in N.C so bow season came in september 10th. when is a good time to start buying code blue and dragging it and hanging it up? And what is your procedure for using scents? And what kind do you like to use?
    Winke Responds:
    Tyler, I feel like a cover scent makes sense all season. The attracting scents are suppposed to work best from the time the bucks start thinking about the rut - I would say sometime in late October there (maybe a touch sooner). I have never been much of a scent user. I am sure that under the right conditions it makes a difference. I just am not patient enough to employ it correctly. I just like to walk in and get in my stands and not have to mess with a bunch of other things. Again, it likely works in the right conditions - I just don't have enough experience to offer anything useful on the subject. Good luck.
  • I have not had good success with scents. Do you use scents? If so, how do you make them work?
    Ron McCarl from PA asks:
    My question is about deer lure. I have never had any luck using buck lure, I have tried many name brands and even though I have been a very successful bowhunter I can honestly say that I have never had a buck come into a lure or a drag. I have had does spook from buck lure and I witnessed bucks walk right through a spot where lure was and never even put his nose in it. I am very careful with human scent so I don't like to walk around my treestand any more than I have to just to put out lure. Do you use deer lure and if you do how do you use it and is it working for you? Thank you, Ron McCarl
    Winke Responds:
    Ron, I don't use it. I never have because I am too lazy to go through the steps. Well I suppose that is not entirely true. If I was lazy, I wouldn't walk 1/2 mile out of my way to get to some stands. I just never got started using it. For me, I like to anticipate where the buck will be and then be there first. That is what gives me the greatest satisfaction. Under the right conditions, I assume scents work, I have heard some success stories to back that up. But I just don't happen to use them. Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck.
  • Where can I find pre-orbital gland lures?
    mike sapp from MN asks:
    Bill, what company or where can I find pre-orbital scent. Have heard that draws the bucks to scrapes. Also thanks for this web-site,gets me through the non-deer hunting times. Thanks, Mike Sapp
    Winke Responds:
    Mike, If you do a Google search under pre-orbital gland lure you will find several. The two that jump out are Kishel's and Smokey's, but there are also a couple others. Give it a try and I think you will find what you need. Good luck.
  • Which scent should I use for a mock scrape?
    Cody from WI asks:
    Hey Bill, What do you suggest to be the best mock scrape scent's out on the market these day's? Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, I am not a scent expert. I just never got very much into using them. I am sure the formulas out there offered by reputable companies all make sense - tarsal gland scent, etc. However,some research shows that the rate at which a scrape is refreshed is not affected much whether you use buck urine, tarsal gland or even doe urine for that matter. I also know guys who pee in them with decent success. I don't think it is super critical which formula you use. More important that you keep your own scent from tainting the set up. Good luck.
  • Is a scent eliminination spray enough for a decoy or do I need attractor scents too?
    Seth from IN asks:
    I was just watching your decoying episode on go muddy.com and I was just wondering. Because it'll be my first time using a decoy. Can I just use scent away (Dead Down Wind Product) on the buck decoy or do I need to have buck scent or urine on it.
    Winke Responds:
    Seth, The scent eliminator spray should be enough. While a buck urine product might help in some cases, the decoy is primarily a visual element and not a scent attraction one. Good luck.
  • Do you know where I can get preorbital gland scent?
    Cody from WI asks:
    Hey Bill! I have another question; Have you ever heard of Preorbital gland lure? I read an Article about it, and the Author said this stuff is amazing, you will get about 95% of the buck's on camera around, and in your farm. But the product is hard to find. Would you know where to get some Preorbital gland lure? Thanks!
    Winke Responds:
    Cody, I have heard of it, but I have never tried it. I am aware of at least one company selling it: Smokey's Deer Lure (http://smokeysdeerlure.com). Kishel's also sells it. (www.kishelscents.com) Both companies have been around awhile. They should be giving you the straight stuff. Good luck.
  • Do you think C'Mere Deer works?
    Seth from IN asks:
    What do you think about c'mere deer? Some people say it doesn't work, but im not sure
    Winke Responds:
    Seth, I have never tried it and don't really have any way to know for sure if it will work. My guess is that it will attract deer, but it will take a few days for the deer to find it and be attracted to it. I would also guess it doesn't work as well as they portray on TV. Remember, they are trying to sell it so they are going to make it look as good as possible.
  • Does human urine affect deer?
    sterling from AL asks:
    I have some friend who thinks hunam urin does now effect deer. I disagree, what is ur apinion?
    Winke Responds:
    Sterling, I can assure you that human urine doesn't spook deer. There is no "human scent" in human urine. I have "tested" this hundreds of times over the past 20 years and I have never seen a deer smell human urine and bolt, unless they also smelled human ground scent in the same location. Good luck.
  • I don't see you using scents; do you not use them for a reason?
    Johnny from PA asks:
    Bill I am quickly becomming addicted to your show. With so many insights from so many places I just cant log off. That being said I cant remember ever seeing you use deer scents or lures to draw a buck in. Is it because they are less affective during the rut when you are hunting or you dont see the need.
    Winke Responds:
    Johnny, I just never dug into scent use. I am sure it works for some people, but I see problems with putting something out there for deer to smell when they are also going to smell my scent at the same time (downwind deer) or my ground scent (scent drag). I would rather hunt only spots where deer can't get downwind of me or where my scent is not going to reach deer than use the wind to bring deer in and run the risk of alerting them. However, I do see the advantage of using scents near the stand to position deer for the shot (kind like a mock scrape can do). I would still play the wind 100% and keep my entry route away from deer trails, but I would then use the scent for only close range advantage. That makes good sense to me. Good luck.
  • With pefect scent control, is it worth sitting upwind of a bedding thicket and trying to pull bucks out with deer scent?
    brad from MN asks:
    Bill, just recently found your website and have enjoyed very much. Keep up the good work. I am a veteran bowhunter and have taken some good bucks over the years. I am always trying to think of some new technique to try out and wanted to run this one by you. I have done some new things to hide my scent this year and it is working out great. I have had many deer in the last two weeks (Nov. 9 today) here in MN get downwind of me and not detect me (one hunt I had two adult does at the same time downwind of me) My question is this; if i can successfully control my scent, do you think it is worth hunting a spot with what would be considedered a "wrong wind", and using attractant scents to pull bucks out of a bedding thicket? I have been using tarsal scent to get deer curious and have had them come out early onto a food plot. I realize it is a gamble, but with the slow rut conditions lately, I am trying to figure out something that would tip the odds my way. Thanks.
    Winke Responds:
    Brad, It is worth a try. I have tried a few things over the years that nearly 100% controlled my scent and I suppose it might work. It is definitely worth a try. Good luck.
  • Do you think that doe in estrous deer scents cause deer to spook?
    curtis from OH asks:
    Bill, I've been a fan of the show ever since I first saw it and I thank you for your time and tips. I was just wondering about using doe estrus and scents in general. Can this cause deer to spook? I've had mixed reports, and I used some a couple of nights ago and had deer blow about 100 yards away and not come in. I can't say it was from the scent but it made me wonder. Also I'm not sure if Damon of the ohio staff sees these comments but congrats on the awesome buck. Anyway thanks alot!
    Winke Responds:
    Curtis, I don't believe the scents will spook them, but a lot of times for the deer to smell tha scent they have to be downwind or on your entry trail. That means they are likely picking up some human scent too, so that is much more likely to be the reason they are spooking. If you can figure out a way to keep your scent away from the deer scent you will do better. Good luck.
  • What are your thoughts on scents: Buck Bombs, wicks, doe in heat, etc?
    Dave from MI asks:
    Any recommendations on using "buck bombs" or wicks? "Doe in heat" or other scents? Thanks!! PS Great website
    Winke Responds:
    Dave, I am not an expert on scent use. I am sure I am missing some opportunities by not using scents, but I just have never used them much. I understand the concept and I think under the right situation (when a buck is walking through your shooting lane fast, or is just out of range) the wick would make a difference. I don't think I could expect a deer to follow me to my stand on a scent drag because I am afraid I would leave too much human scent on low brush, etc. that he would also smell. I try to walk to my stands using routes where the deer are unlikely to cross my scent. I have a hard time intentionally walking where I expect them to be moving. So that is why I have stayed away from drags and scent trails. Others may have different thoughts on this, and like I said, I may be missing something, but that is how I hunt. I realize I didn't help much. Sorry about that.
  • Will does avoid areas where you use scent products to attract bucks?
    Ryan from WI asks:
    Hey Bill, do you think that using a buck lure or doe urine this time of year is effective? Will the does that are in the area smell that and avoid that area, which will then affect your chances of seeing bucks? Thanks and good luck hunting the next couple weeks! Im pretty excited for the upcoming hunts!
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, The does won't react to that scent product. I would not worry about that. It is a good time of the year to use those products. Good luck.
  • Will vanilla attract deer or just spook them?
    Greg from PA asks:
    Bill, Have you ever heard of using vanilla as an attractant and if so will it spook deer? I think all you guys and gals are doing a fantastic job. Keep up the great work. Greg
    Winke Responds:
    Greg, I have not heard of that one nor tried it. It is worth a try I guess. Most deer don't like new things, but possibly vanilla will stimulate the curiosity in some. Not all deer are curious, however. Some just shy away. For every one that comes in out of curiosity, I am guessing at least one, or more, will shy away. I wouldn't do it on a day when you are hunting one of your best stands, but it might be a fun experiment somewhere else. Good luck.
  • When should I start using my scrape dripper? What scent should I use? Should I set up near rubs?
    shawn from WI asks:
    hi. when is a good time for me yoo use my wild life scent dripper and can i use the active scrape scent a came with.also do i make a mock scrape or wait too see if he does it on his own.and if i can is it wise to use it near is rubbs or not.and also like i say can i use the active scrape it came with.thank you.
    Winke Responds:
    Shawn, I figure around October 10 onward it makes sense to start getting the mock scrapes going. By about October 20 bucks will be hitting scrapes pretty hard and that is probably when I would start hunting that area. Until then, I would stay away other than keeping the dripper going. I would use the scent it came with and setting up near rubs is a fine idea. At least then you know you have bucks in the area.
  • Should I use a scent dripper early or late?
    justin from IA asks:
    Should I try a scent drip early or late.
    Winke Responds:
    Justin, I guess I would start with that about a week before you plan to hunt that area. I don't know a lot about how those work, but that should give the bucks time to find it if they are going to. Good luck. I believe you could start using it right when the season opens but it will likely be most effective at the times when the bucks are most active - starting in late October.
  • I am planning to start a mock scrape, what should I use to freshen it: buck urine or should I just urinate in it myself?
    Rick from PA asks:
    Was thinking of making a couple of mock scrapes and was wondering what kind of urine I should use at this time of year obviously not doe in heat but should I just use a regular buck urine or try urinating in the scrape myself,I have used mock scrapes before but never this early in the season.
    Winke Responds:
    Rick, I would probably use a buck urine. Testing has shown that urinating in the scrape yourself does produce some positive results. It definitely doesn't cause the deer to avoid it. I have urinated from stands for many years (decades - I am getting old) and I have never seen the odor spook deer. I guess there might be some advantage in getting the scrape started this early. I am not sure you will get a lot of scraping activity from the bucks until their testosterone levels come up a bit more, but it is worth a try. I have never tried it. I would be interested in having you report back what you learn. Personally, I would wait a couple more weeks, but again, I would like to hear what you learn.
  • Have you tried C' Mere Deer? Does it work to just put out an attractant and have deer come to it right away?
    john from IN asks:
    thanks for your time bill i've seen on some hunting shows they use a product called c'mere deer. Do you ever use this product or any similar one? and also Do any of the c'mere deer products realy work perticularly the three day harvest or the shake and take? It just seems really too convenient for products like that to work
    Winke Responds:
    John, I don't know the answer to that question because I have never used these products. I am sure that almost any attractant will bring deer. A pile of corn will do that too if you pour it out on the ground, but it usually takes a couple of days for the deer to find it and really start using it. My guess is that it works, just not as quickly as they might suggest. Probably the deer you get to come to it won't be quite as big as the ones they show on TV either!
  • Do you think there is a certain time of the season to use scents?
    Tim Hart from IN asks:
    I had never used scents until this year I been hunting forty-two years.I shot a nice buck big ten point using a doe scent.It stop the buck in his tracks at ten yards.Do you think there a certain time of the season to use scents?
    Winke Responds:
    Tim, I think scents serve many purposes. They can be used to stop deer in shooting lanes (they will for this at all times of the season) or to attract to the stand. Then I am not sure when is best - I assume the rut. I don't use scents often because I am too lazy to go through the trouble of doing it right. I would say that the best time is the rut and the best strategy is to use a drag rag when walking in - don't change your normal route, try to stay as far from deer trails as possible just in case you are also leaving human scent with the deer scent. Then hang it on a branch to the side of your stand in the direction where the deer might hit that scent stream before they hit yours. Things in the deer woods don't often work that conveniently, that is why I am a skeptic. I am not skeptical that scents work, only that the deer will behave the way we expect. They rarely do, making it tough to actually figure out where to place the scent. I like the idea of using the scents to stop them in your shooting lane. That is a good strategy that will work all the time. Good luck.
  • How long should I let a Scrape Dripper marinate before hunting the area?
    Chuckj from IA asks:
    how long should i let a mock scrape with a dripper marinate before hunting it?
    Winke Responds:
    Chuck, You should be good to go after just a single day. Plenty of scent will be down by then. Obviously, it would be better if you had been scenting that area for a few weeks to get a few more bucks to notice it in their travels, but the scent will be potent enough after just a single day to serve as an atractant for bucks in that immediate area.
  • Do you use attractant scent of odor elimination products?
    Jarred from OH asks:
    Hey Bill, Condrats on your show. Do you use any scents to attract deer or mask your own scent? If so what do you use? Good luck this year.
    Winke Responds:
    Jarred, I am not a big scent user. Not that I doubt it will work occassionally. I am more concerned about getting myself and the scent in the same wind current or leaving my scent on the ground when applying a drag scent. I'm sure when used correctly it is another good tool, but I have not experimented enough to know how best to use the scents. I use a scent eliminator on my bow but I wash my hunting suit in Sport Wash and hang it outside til it is totally dry and then pack it in a waterproof canoe bag with a bunch of oak leaves. I know a top guy at Cabela's who makes big pot of soup from dirt, water, leaves, plants, etc. and then soaks his clothes in that mess before hanging them to dry. He says he rarely gets winded.
  • Would you mix deer lures to get better attraction?
    Tyler from IA asks:
    Bill, Would it be a smart idea to mix two different deer lures during one hunt. for example trophy buck lure and a hot doe urine. Or would the two different attractants cancel each other out? Any feedback would be appreciated. BTW huge fan. Thanks Tyler
    Winke Responds:
    Tyler, I wouldn't bother unless you just like experimenting. I don't think you will notice a difference in attraction. I think the mix will work as well as either of the scents used separately.
  • Can you urinate in a scrape and in effect "freshen" it?
    jerry from MN asks:
    urine in a mock scrape? I have been told by a few people that when they make a mock scrape that they urinate in the mock scrape themselves. Are they pulling my leg or is this worth a try?
    Winke Responds:
    Jerry, I have talked to a few deer biologists including Dr. Karl Miller who state that they have tested this and found that human urine worked fine in a scrape. My guess is that you need to be sure to keep your other human scent away from the scrape or your approach to the scrape will have other detrimental effects. Also, I relieve myself from my tree stands and after years of doing this and seeing hundreds of deer passing close to the tree, I have never seen on show caution at the scent. So it is safe to say that there is no human scent in human urine - at least not the kind of human scent that deer associate with danger.
  • What scent would you put in a scent dripper at this time of the year?
    Ryan from NJ asks:
    hi bill, i am a northeast hunter in the new york and new jersey area. i want to try out the scrape dripper since i hear alot of success comes from using this and wanted to know what scent you think would be the best for this time of year and if i should use the same scent throughout the season or change as the weather and rut changes? thank you and i watch all of your shows relgiously. they are great and get me pumped for the season.
    Winke Responds:
    Ryan, Thanks for your support. I would probably use a Mock Scrape scent right from the beginning and put it over a mock scrape. That makes the most sense. You could experiment with doe in estrous scents too, but I don't think you will find a big difference in the number of bucks that come to your mock scrape. I would keep using the Mock Scrape lure all the way through the rut. The bucks are already scraping so there is no reason to use anything else. Good luck.
  • What is the best way to use scents? Have you had much success with scents?
    Scott from MI asks:
    Bill, I started using Kirschners Silver Top lure back in the 80’s when I lived in PA but I’ve never really had any success with lures. I prefer a fresh tarsal but in your opinion do lures really work and what is the best approach in using them? God bless, love the site. Scott
    Winke Responds:
    Scott, I guess under the right conditions they will work. Sort of like any other strategy, it takes the right deer at the right time. I don't use scents actively. I try to keep my overall impact to as close to zero as possible, but I have heard stories from guys that I respect who have definitely shot nice bucks because of scents. The key when putting them out is to keep your scent from contaminating the scent trail. That is the hard part, in my experience. I often have deer smell where my pants have brushed again low vegetation, so wearing something like Elimitrax boots when putting the scent line down would be a good idea. Also, scents will serve an important purpose in areas where you may have to turn the deer for a shot or otherwise manipulate it slightly for a better angle. An example is a trail that is very close to the tree stand. To get a good shot angle, you may need to move or turn the deer slightly and scents will help in this way.
  • How can I get deer to move during the daylight?
    Bill from WI asks:
    I am wondering how to best get deer to move during the daylight hours. We have a camera on a scrape and get lots of pictures at night, but rarly get a picture during the day. I can sit in my stand all day and see nothing. will a daytime only drip help or what can I do?
    Winke Responds:
    Bill, I don't think you can get them to move unless they want to move. Maybe a daylight only drip would make a difference, but I would be surprised. I think this is just that time of the year when they don't move much during the day. If they do move, it is to eat acorns very near their bedding areas. There are always exceptions to the rule, so it is worth hunting, but it is a tough time to shoot a nice buck.
  • Should I shift to urine from a dominant buck when freshening my mock scrapes?
    Dennis Ignowski from MI asks:
    Hello, I am from sw michigan I buy deer urine in bulk. I have had very good luck with young buck urine 1-3yrs. When I put this lure out it is more of a courosity type reaction. When I try to use it in mock scrapes very little if any response. Should I use More of a domanant Buck urine say 4yrs and older for the mock scrapes?? Any Ideas thanks DENNIS
    Winke Responds:
    Dennis, I have dug into scents by contacting prevailing researchers on the subject. One of the top ones is Karl Miller, a research biologist wtih the University of Georgia. Karl stated that urines break down quickly and within a short time it is hard for the deer to tell much about the animal that produced the urine. I would be surprised if they can tell a dominant buck from a subordinate buck just from the urine, unless possibly if it is very fresh. Also, glands also carry some of that scent story, so expecting the urine alone to reveal dominance is probably asking too much. I would just keep using what you are using. It is doubtful anything else would work better for you in that situation.