what smells attract deer

3 min read 25-12-2024

Deer, with their keen sense of smell, rely heavily on olfactory cues for survival. Understanding what smells attract deer is crucial for hunters seeking to lure them in and for gardeners aiming to deter them from their prized plants. This knowledge can significantly impact your success, whether you're tracking them in the woods or protecting your garden.

Understanding a Deer's Sense of Smell

Deer possess an exceptional sense of smell, far superior to that of humans. Their olfactory system allows them to detect scents from considerable distances, identifying potential mates, food sources, and predators. This heightened sensitivity is why understanding alluring smells is paramount.

Attractive Scents for Deer: Food and More

Many scents attract deer because they signal the presence of food or other desirable things. These scents can be both natural and artificial.

Natural Food-Related Smells

Apples: The sweet aroma of apples is irresistible to deer, especially ripe, fallen fruit. This is a classic attractant used by hunters.
Corn: The scent of corn, whether fresh or stored, is another powerful draw. Fields of corn are a prime deer feeding area.
Clover and Alfalfa: These legumes provide crucial nutrients for deer. Their scent can attract them to nearby areas.
Other Fruits and Berries: The sweet scents of berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are tempting for deer. They'll readily consume these if available.
Mineral Licks: Deer seek out mineral licks to supplement their diet. The minerals themselves don't have a strong odor but the presence of other animals at a lick can leave behind attractive scents.

Artificial Attractants

While natural scents are effective, commercially available deer attractants often enhance their effectiveness.

Deer Urine: Deer urine, especially from does in estrus (heat), is a powerful attractant, particularly for bucks during the rutting season. However, using urine attractants requires careful consideration of legality and potential risks (disease transmission).
Synthetic Attractants: Many commercially available deer attractants contain synthetic blends of scents designed to mimic the odors of food sources or pheromones. These are often more convenient than using natural scents.
Mineral Supplements: Commercially produced mineral supplements often add other scents to make them more attractive.

Smells Deer Avoid

Understanding what repels deer is just as important as knowing what attracts them. Deer have a strong aversion to certain scents.

Strong Soaps and Detergents: The scent of human activity, especially strong-smelling soaps and detergents, is often enough to deter deer. Washing outdoor gear before entering hunting areas is crucial.
Predatory Animal Scents: The scent of predators like wolves, coyotes, or mountain lions is a powerful repellent. Hunters sometimes use this to their advantage.
Certain Plants: Some plants have strong or unpleasant odors that deer tend to avoid. These can be used strategically in gardening to deter them. Examples include lavender and certain herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Human Scent: The most significant repellent is usually the scent of humans themselves. Deer have a remarkable ability to detect human odor, even at a distance.

How to Use Scent Effectively (for Hunters)

Wind Direction: Always consider the wind direction when placing attractants. The scent needs to drift towards the deer, not away from them.
Placement: Strategically place attractants in areas where deer are likely to travel or feed.
Timing: The effectiveness of scents can vary depending on the time of year and the breeding cycle.

Protecting Your Garden from Deer (Using Repellent Smells)

Commercial Repellents: Many commercially available repellents utilize scents that deer find unpleasant. Apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Homemade Repellents: Simple homemade repellents can be effective. For example, a spray made from garlic, onions, and hot peppers can help deter deer.
Natural Barriers: Planting thorny shrubs or creating physical barriers can also help to keep deer out of your garden.

Conclusion

Understanding what smells attract and repel deer is essential for both hunters and gardeners. By strategically using attractive and repellent scents, you can increase your chances of success in the field or protect your garden. Remember that successful deer management requires a multifaceted approach, combining scent control with other strategies.