Deers possess an acute sense of smell, utilizing it for various purposes such as finding food, identifying potential predators, and locating a mate. But can deer smell dip, also known as smokeless tobacco?
In this article, we will explore the capabilities of a deer’s sense of smell and investigate whether or not they are able to detect the scent of dip. We will also discuss factors that may impact a deer’s ability to smell dip, such as wind direction and distance.
Can deer smell dip?
A deer’s sense of smell is so keen that they can smell every component of dip. If a deer is able to smell your dip, it also means they can detect your presence. To avoid detection, it is important to keep the wind direction in mind and position yourself downwind.
Dip has various scents that may be unfamiliar to deer, and if they learn to associate it with human presence, they may become cautious. Some hunters use other scents, such as vanilla or anise oil, to mask their scent and possibly alleviate boredom while on the stand.
It is unlikely that a deer’s ability to smell dip would have a significant impact on the hunting experience. Even if a deer can detect the scent of dip in a hunter’s mouth, they will likely be able to smell the rest of the hunter’s scent as well.
In my personal experience, I shot a decent 9-point buck while using dip and being downwind. It could be just a coincidence and the event happened as nature intended it to. Though I also remember almost getting caught when I had to quickly spit the dip in the opposite direction of my spit bottle.
Can you dip while deer hunting?
It is alright to dip while deer hunting, as deer may detect the smell but may not associate it with humans. However, many hunters exercise caution in terms of movement when using dip on the stand, especially if they have seen a lot of deer in the area. Dipping can cause movement, such as when placing or removing the chew from the mouth or spitting into a bottle or on the ground.
It is permissible to use smokeless tobacco products, such as dip or chew, while deer hunting, but it is important to do so discreetly and quietly to avoid alerting the deer to your presence.
Regarding smell, when I used to chew tobacco regularly and hunt from a freestanding tree stand, I would spit. I had many instances when deer were directly under my tree and paid no attention to me.
A friend of mine who chewed Red Man claimed that deer would come and lick his spit residue. Some people believe that deer are scared of unfamiliar or new smells, but this is a misconception. They are exposed to different smells all the time. What alarms them is the smell of human bacteria and gas that comes from our skin, tongue, and the oil residue we leave behind. Dip is not an issue.
How to cover my dip scent?
Deer hunting is a challenging sport that requires a great deal of skill and patience. One of the most important aspects of hunting deer is the ability to conceal one’s own scent. A deer’s sense of smell is incredibly sensitive, and they can detect even the slightest human odor from a great distance. This is why many hunters take great care to cover their scent when hunting.
One of the most common methods of scent control is to wash clothing and hunting gear in scent-free detergent. This helps to remove any lingering human odors that may be present on the clothes. Additionally, hunters may use scent-free soap and shampoo in the shower, as well as scent-free deodorant to reduce the chances of being detected by deer.
Another popular method of scent control is to store hunting gear in airtight bags. This helps to keep the gear fresh and prevents any human odors from penetrating the clothing and equipment. Some hunters also use scent-eliminating sprays and other products to mask their scent and trick deer into thinking they are not there.
It’s also important to note that wind direction also play a crucial role in scent control. If a hunter is downwind from a deer, the deer is likely to detect the hunter’s scent and flee. Therefore, hunters must pay close attention to wind direction and position themselves upwind from the deer in order to stay undetected.
Final Thoughts
I was addicted to using Copenhagen for many years but, with a few attempts, I managed to quit completely around 5 years ago. When hunting, I used to spit the dip all around my stand and didn’t see any significant impact on the deer. I have hunted and killed many deer within 5-20 yards and they did not seem to be affected by the smell.
