Skip to main content

The Evolution of Deer Scents

Utilizing scent to hunt whitetails is a centuries-old tradition. With liquid, stick and aerosol products available, let's take a look at just how far deer scents have come.

The Evolution of Deer Scents
(Photo by Rick Small)

Deer scents, a centuries-old tradition, have been part of hunting long before commercialization began in the 1960s and 1970s. This rich history connects modern hunters to their ancestors, who used scents to attract deer.

Upon their arrival in North America, the first Europeans learned and adopted the hunting techniques of the Indigenous peoples. These practices, which included using deer urine and glandular secretions to attract deer, were a significant part of the Indigenous hunting culture. European settlers also observed the Indigenous using plants and natural odors to mask their scent, as noted in multiple journal entries.

I know, surprising. I was shocked, too. We tend to think of using deer scents as relatively new, but that’s far from the truth. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, hunters started testing and tinkering, creating homemade mixtures. These hunters used scents like fox urine and various herbs and plants to mask their human odor and attract deer.

Glandular extracts also became popular during this period. Hunters would take the scent from deer tarsal glands and use it, primarily during the rut, to lure bucks in.

gear-wise-conquest-tree
EverCalm is one of ConQuest’s most popular products, and it’s used commonly by the North American Whitetail TV staff. It can be used on tree limbs, your boots or even the rails of a tree stand. (Photo by Jake Hanson)

Today, the evolution of deer scents is nothing short of remarkable. Scent companies have replaced at-home scent labs, taking deer scents to levels many thought impossible. From deodorant-style sticks and synthetic liquids to pads doused in deer goodness, scents have come a long way; and you should take full advantage of them! This progress is fascinating and creates new possibilities for hunters.

One manufacturer leading the scent charge is ConQuest. Owned by Doug Roberts, ConQuest Scents is a family deer farm and a location where research and development never end. During his deer tenure, Roberts has grown some of the largest typical whitetails in North America, and his legendary farm is renowned for consistently producing some of the most innovative deer scents the industry has ever seen.

Scent Sticks

While there are many ConQuest must-haves, one of the most popular among whitetail-goers is the manufacturer’s series of scent sticks. Available in EverCalm, VS-1 and Rutting Buck, these mess-free, deodorant-style sticks forever changed the scent game and are a must-add to any deer arsenal.

gear-wise-conquest-sticks
Stick style scents are a great, no-mess way for whitetail hunters to lure in bucks or cover human odor. These scents are also useful for freshening scrapes and creating mock scrapes. (Photo courtesy of ConQuest Scents)

One of the most popular is the VS-1, and for good reason. VS-1 is 100 percent estrus urine and vaginal secretions collected from Doug’s superior breeding does. Scientifically synchronized, these deer produce extreme concentrations of pheromones, which appeal to big bucks.

Regarding VS-1 usage, hunters can rub the 2.5-ounce weather-resistant wax stick on trees, brush, scent pads and even their boots. VS-1 works excellently when paired with a decoy and maximizes buck interest during all rut phases.

Scrapes are a giant piece of the whitetail hunting puzzle, and whether you’re looking to freshen existing scrapes or create mock scrapes, the Rutting Buck Scent Stick is a must-have item. Rather than putting on rubber gloves and messing with liquid, you can smear the scent stick in active scrapes on licking branches, and it also works exceptionally well on rubs. A few years back, I wiped RuttingBuck on two cottonwood saplings near an existing rub as part of an experiment. When I returned to hunt the area two days later, the Rutting Buck-enhanced trunks were ripped up, and a rub line appeared.

gear-wise-conquest-ruttingbuck
ConQuest’s Rutting Buck is perfect for freshening scrapes, establishing mock scrapes and bolstering existing rub lines. (Photo courtesy of ConQuest Scents)

Not to go scent stick crazy on you, but once you use these sticks and enjoy the mess-free application and easy storage, you’ll use them forever. My favorite of ConQuest’s Scent Stick trio is EverCalm. The stick does precisely what the name implies: it keeps the deer calm. I use the scent from the first day of deer season to the last. No matter where I’m hunting, I apply EverCalm to surrounding trees and brush. Made from scents taken from active deer bedding areas, this scent doesn’t necessarily attract deer, but when they are in close, it fills their nostrils with a familiar smell that relaxes them.

Therma Pads

Another ConQuest scent win is their Therma Pads. These pads are available in the same scent offerings as the scent sticks, the difference being Therma Pads are engineered to disperse scent into the air effectively. These biodegradable pads are eco-friendly, a breeze to hang from branches and, during cold weather, can be paired with a butane scent dispensing device to maximize scent output. Regarding scents, ConQuest provides thought-out, purposeful products that give whitetail hunters options.

Recommended


Please don’t think I don’t use or like liquid scents. I do. However, the evolution of deer scents has come so far that many liquid scent varieties have become obsolete. One of my favorite scent options made by many brands is aerosol products. Aerosol products, like scent sticks and pads, are mess-free.

Aerosols

gear-wise-conquest-spray
Aerosol style scents can be a convenient way to disperse deer scent across a large area. Conquest’s EverCalm is a great scent to do this with, because it helps calm bucks when they encounter it. (Photo courtesy of ConQuest Scents)

An excellent ConQuest aerosol is the Certified In Heat Bomb. A four-ounce spray, this can-style scent is easily dispersed in long or short bursts. You control the flow, which means you can dose trees, brush or even your boots and send mists of In Heat downwind while sitting in your tree stand. Again, like many of ConQuest’s products, the application is a breeze and mess-free, and the nozzle automatically atomizes the scent as you release it. This process allows the smell to stick to trees, brush and other vegetation for lasting results. When walking into my stand, I often create my scent trail with short, quick bursts rather than pulling a scent drag behind me and hanging it on the brush. I also recommend the EverCalm Bomb and RuttingBomb.

Deer Urine

As mentioned, synthetic and actual deer urine liquid scents are still relevant. One of my favorite all-time deer scents is Trail’s End #307 from Wildlife Research. This complex blend of doe urine with in-heat secretions and other ingredients works all year. I often use the scent with ConQuest’s orange Stink Stick around my trail camera areas during July and August.

gear-wise-conquest-stick
One of the author’s favorite ConQuest products is their orange stink stick. Specifically, he likes to deploy the stick around his trail camera locations. (Photo courtesy of ConQuest Scents)

I’m no deer scent scientist, and I have no idea why it works so well, but when I soak the replaceable fiberglass wick with #307 and hang the durable dispenser near my cameras, I tend to get more pictures for a more extended period. The orange-colored top and bottom make the dispenser easy to see in the woods and can be an effective yardage marker when hunting. The tapered threads mean no leaks, and mess is minimized because you don’t have to try to pour the liquid on the wick; instead, you fill the device from the top.

There’s a simple reason our ancestors used scents: they work. No, they aren’t a magic wand, but if you understand what scents to use and what times of the year those scents work best, you’ll put more venison in the freezer and more antlers on the wall.

Don’t be afraid to test and tinker. There are many new purposeful scents on the market and many ways to disperse that scent. Find what works for you and make scents part of your regular whitetail arsenal.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Whitetail

198-inch Iowa Deadhead Found in September!

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Learn

How to Use Satellite Images for Deer Scouting

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Whitetail

196-inch Iowa Buck Taken by Bow

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Whitetail

The BIGGEST Typical Whitetail Taken in 2023!

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Gear

Reviewing Sig Sauer's Stabilizing Binoculars

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Whitetail

Sam Collora's 213-inch Iowa Archery Giant

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Gear

How to Pick Optics for Low-Light Scenarios

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Gear

Field Tested: Ozonics' HR 500

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Gear

Burris Expands Legendary Fullfield Line of Scopes

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Whitetail

Michigan's State Record Typical Buck!

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Learn

How to Rattle in a Big Buck

Blake Garlock explains what it takes to fill your tag during a late season morning hunt.
Learn

How to Kill a Big Buck During a Post-Rut Morning Hunt

North American Whitetail Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the North American Whitetail App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top North American Whitetail stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top North American Whitetail stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use