Thousands of products are sold every year promising complete scent elimination for deer hunters. Some go so far as to not hunt a particular location if the wind is “wrong.” Still, there are others who seem to be successful regardless of what they smell like walking into the woods. Plenty of hunters have told me, point blank, that they harvest deer while smoking cigarettes.
So, the question is, can deer smell cigarette smoke?
A whitetail deer possesses up to 297 million olfactory receptors within its nose. A human has around 5 million. Research has shown that a deer’s sense of smell is anywhere from 500 to 1,000 times better than a human’s. Yes, a deer can smell cigarette smoke.
There is no doubt that a deer can and will smell cigarette smoke. Think about the times you’ve been walking down the street and you can smell smoke from downwind. If you can smell it then there is no doubt that a deer can. The real question is, what effect does cigarette smoke have on deer?
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A Deer’s Reaction to Foreign Scent
Just like humans, each deer has its own personality. Some seem to be born more wary than others. I have spent a lot of time in the woods throughout my life and have encountered all kinds of deer. Some are very curious, and have walked within yards of me trying to figure out what I am. Others seem to meander through the woods without a care in the world. But mostly, I’ve seen a lot of highly cautious deer that scent check the wind a lot, ready to exit stage left at the first sign of danger.
Just like dogs and humans, I am positive some deer have a keener sense of smell than others. It’s ridiculous to believe that every deer you encounter has the exact same traits; that just doesn’t make sense. That being said, a deer’s sense of smell is its biggest defense and asset. When a deer smells something foreign or a scent that does not belong in their environment, they will become hyper-aware of everything around them. Many times, they simply slip away even if they haven’t seen or heard anything to confirm their fear. Consequently, if they smell you and either see or hear you, the game is pretty much over.
This is the reason why most consistently successful hunters follow a strict regimen when it comes to scent control. Washing their hunting clothes with deer-hunting-specific,
scent-free laundry detergent. Storing them in sealed containers to ensure they do not pick up any scent between washing and the hunt. Showering and washing before each hunt, using scent-free body wash and shampoo. Some companies even make scent-free deodorant and chapstick specifically formulated for deer hunters.
In short, most hunters will do everything possible to “beat a deer’s nose.” In addition to all these things, most successful hunters (especially big buck hunters) try to have the right wind while hunting, making sure that their hunting location is up-wind from where they believe the deer will come from. All these things are done because they have been proven to work — not every time — but most of the time. And still, there are times when hunters think they are doing everything correctly and a deer (especially a mature deer) will bust them.
…Back to Cigarette Smoke
I believe it is obvious that a deer can smell cigarette smoke. It is not only scientific but just plain common sense. So, the question becomes how will it affect a hunter’s success rate? Throughout my years of trying to become a better hunter, I’ve read a lot of articles on the subject of smoking while deer hunting. Most made it sound like you’d have to be a fool to smoke while hunting deer, especially whitetail deer. Conversely, I’ve spoken to hunters who smoke while hunting and claim that it has no affect on their success in the woods.
First, let me address the hunters who claim that smoking has no effect on deer or on harvesting a deer. Yes, you can harvest deer while smoking (especially with a firearm) BUT…how many deer are being affected by the cigarette smoke that you never see? Often a hunter will not see the deer they spook because the deer know the hunter is there long before they’re ever within sight. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in the woods and a deer seems to appear from nowhere. It is only logical that if you are smoking while deer hunting, you have no clue how many deer you aren’t seeing that you would normally see if you were not.
I must admit when the whole “scent-free” movement began, I was a skeptic, mainly because I knew there were plenty of successful hunters of old who did not have access to all the scent-free products that we have today. Slowly but surely, I began trying to be cleaner, and pay more attention to the wind, and guess what? I began to see more deer, especially mature deer. I think if you ask anyone who has tried to improve and evolve as a hunter, they will tell you the same.
Read the article I wrote about fooling the nose of a 162″ Kentucky Giant
A Message to All the Hunters Who Smoke
So, here’s the deal. I am not going to get on my soapbox and tell you the dangers of cigarette smoking. I refuse to argue the above information with anyone. If you choose to smoke while deer hunting, that is completely your choice. For those smokers who want to try and hunt smoke-free, well, there are alternatives that can help you without trying to go cold turkey just for deer season.
If I were you, I would try wearing a nicotine patch while you hunt. A patch may make it possible to make it through a hunt without lighting up. Companies make all kinds of nicotine products that may help. Things like nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, etc. My advice would be to try to hunt smoke-free and see for yourself if your hunts are improved. From my personal experience, you’ll find that you see more deer and bigger deer if you do.
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Related Questions
Is Vaping In The Woods Better Than Smoking Cigarettes?
First, I will say that I am not promoting either vaping or smoking, especially to minors. Both are unhealthy habits to start. Having said that, I have friends who are smokers, who vape while hunting to “take the edge off,” and they have told me that it has less effect on deer than cigarette smoke.
Can deer smell chewing tobacco?
Yes, deer can smell chewing tobacco, especially if you are spitting around your hunting area. The scent won’t travel as far as cigarette smoke, but in close proximity or downwind, and there is no reason to believe a deer can’t smell it.
