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I was wondering whether the deer would be able to smell bug repellent if you are wearing some while out hunting. Is there a specific type of bug repellent that can be used that is less likely to make deer shy away from the area?

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If you can smell it, you can be sure the game can. What you really need is a repellent they won't mind. – Kevin♦ Feb 8 '12 at 19:13
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@Kevin I'm a little more concerned that I cannot smell it and the game can. – J Lundberg Feb 8 '12 at 19:23
Any specific animals we are talking about? Deer, turkey...? – Clare Steen Feb 8 '12 at 20:35
@ClareSteen Large game such as Deer – J Lundberg Feb 8 '12 at 21:23
@ClareSteen actually turkey would be nice to know too. – J Lundberg Feb 8 '12 at 21:40
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1 Answer

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Yes, deer will smell your bug spray. Even if you use all the fancy scent-eliminating sprays, soaps, and clothing detergents they can still smell you if you are sweaty. Most important is the wind factor: Deer will smell you if they are downwind of you.

NRA hunting advice for first-time deer hunters: http://www.nrainsights.org/Five_Things_fs.php.

I would say use the bug spray you would have used anyway. Just make sure you carefully monitor the wind and plan your hunting spot carefully.

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