Field and Stream Scentblock Test

OK for several years Field and Stream magazine has done annual tests on scentblock clothing, sprays, soaps, detergents, etc. They use trained scent detection dogs and put a man under one of many boxes.
Long story short, no matter the scent blocking methods used the dogs have always gone straight to the man in the box-casting grave doubt as to the viability of any scentblocking methods/products.

This year, however, was different. The dog was stymied to a very large extent when the methods used involved the use of an ozonics device to treat clothing and/or being placed in the box with the man. The dog eventually "hit" on the man in the box-but not until after several passes-and the "hits" were tentative.

This clearly indicates the use of ozonics devices to treat clothing and cover scent are effective to at least some degree-maybe very effective.

I have always been a skeptic of scentblocking techniques. I mean, I use the spray, etc. but not with any real degree of confidence. Frankly, I was VERY skeptical of the use of any ozonics device.

This has changed my mind. One of the tests involved use of the $399 ozonics device you see advertised on the hunting shows. One involved an ozonics device that retails for about $50 in the hunting section-but can be bought at Wal Mart in the clothes strorage section for $15. I bought one and am going to treat all my hunting clothes with it in a plastic tub this season.

It can't hurt.....

Anyway, I thought it was an eye-opening and interesting piece. It is in this month's issue of F&S.

I watched the test video. Very interesting. The clothing/spray worked better than the device if I remember right. From what I remember, the dog paused on the mark, but passed it after a second... And returned to mark it later. Compared to all the other products, it took the dog almost twice as long. Still seconds involved and he still found it, but it did produce a different result. Also, deer's senses are stronger than a deer's, so that has to be factored in. Very interesting results. Thanks for sharing.

Interesting, for sure.

I still wouldn't use it, even if it worked. There was a time I would have. Now, I just like to grab my things and go hunt. Playing the wind is part of the game, I guess.

I saw that article. If it throws a buck off for almost a minute, that's a window of opportunity that wasn't there before. It's worth a shot.

What are the names of the 15 and 50 dollar devices? I only bow hunt so if it buys me one wind swirl I will try it

The less expensive device is called the Scentpurge 50 in its $50 hunting configuration. You can google it to get a look at it and then get the same device from WM for $15-I'm not home and I have forgotten what the $15 unit is named. But it's the identical product.

X's 2 ,but the tech works. I have used them to remove smoke and "other" smells from houses, car and I imagine it would work in any enclosed area. larger machines though I'm sure. I know it leaves a "rain in the woods smell" to me, but it can be dangerous if misused.

You still have to play the wind. It would be silly to think otherwise. But if washing my clothes in scent-free stuff and putting it in a box with a $15 ozonics device buys me even a few extra seconds in the bowstand I'm game to try it. Nothing dangerous about treating your clothing.....

For $15, nothing to loose. I doubt it has enough power to be dangerous though, I was referring to the larger models more as a PSA.

Way back before all of the new "stuff", We hunted in jeans and usually a flannel shirt with a coat if it was cold enough. We would sit on a lawn chair or on the ground with our rifles and watched trails, it was nothing to light up a cigarette and have to lay it down to take a shot. We would spread a little corn on the trail as we walked to our place to sit. No blinds, no feeders, no camo and didn't pay attention to the wind unless it was cold and the wind really blowing. Then we would set up with the wind to our back.

I have bought a lot of gadgets since those days, most have done nothing except collect dust after the first couple of seasons. I wonder how many millions of dollars are spent on the newest and latest gadgets that somebody "invented" and marketed to hunters. The above items, you can bet the author was given a freebie or maybe several to "test" and write the article, how valid would you guess it really is?

A true Ozone generating machine in an enclosed area is deadly to any living organisms.

I'd imagine this device doesn't produce much. The liability would be tremendous.

If you ever had a breath of Ozone, you would understand.

More novelty Junk

Yeah well, you will not find many more old school than me.

But the test is the test and the results don't lie. The dog had never been slowed up before. He was this time. So it got my attention. Just putting it out there.

And I'm not talking about breathing it. Read.

I'm picking up what you're putting down.

So you had your "Ozonicks Ah-Ha" moment?! Lol

i still hunt this way, but you forgot play the wind.

Awesome. :-)

you drink beer while hunting? uh oh.

i bet you shoot turtles too dont you!

I read that article too. Given that I am a sucker for gimmicks I went ahead and got one. May give it a try and see.

Bigfoot doesn't use any scent covers or blinds, but does quite well when hunting!

here i am lighting one up 9 yds from the feeder.

This is why pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered.

Scent lock clothing aside, smoking is going to kill you.

hahahahahahahaha