Tip #1: Don't be too conservative with scent.
Ever see a deer relieve itself in the woods? If so, you already know that it doesn't urinate two drops at a time. So why is it that most people using scent simply "dunk" something in their doe-urine of choice and expect results?

At Ol' Drop Tyne®, we use only 100 percent whitetail deer urine so we want you, the hunter, to "match the hatch" so to speak. During the rut, does are very active and urinates more frequently, but in smaller amounts than normal (normal ranges from 2, 4, 10 or more ounces at a time, during the rut it's more like 1 to 3 ounces). For this reason our bottles are conveniently marked in one-once intervals so hunters can see exactly how much to put out on a scrape or stand site. Keep in mind that Mother Nature has been doing this right for many, many years and it works each fall...!

If the ruts just starting, maybe try an ounce. Once things get really hot, up the "doe-sage", knock your arrow and be ready because at any moment...!

Tip #2: When laying out scent, don't forget your own.
While a quality scent can drastically increase the odds of putting a booker on the wall, if the hunter lays out the scent and isn't "scent free" himself, a horrible error has just been made.

Tips For Staying Scent Free

Remember, you are trying to lure a buck in with the aid of scent, so when he comes in, he'll be sniffing for the source of that doe (and anything suspect). In other words, he better not smell you, in addition to the Doe-to-Door urine.

Tip #3: When using a scent drag, don't overlap it with yours.
For years hunters have attached scent drags and pads to their boots, while unknowingly pulling their scent of choice right over the same ground where they've walked. (Avoid this whenever possible)

Whenever possible, we need to keep both of these scent trails separate. Tie your drag rope to the end of a 3-4 ft. stick (or an arrow shaft) and hold it well off to your side keeping both trails separate. It is also a good practice to have the dragged scent follow a natural deer trail, when present, and keep yours off to the side. This will definitely up your odds for a great hunt.

Tip #4: How-to freshen a scrape site with scent.
Hunters have a tendency to pour scent directly on the dirt around a scrape which promptly sucks it up, or on that low 'hanging branch'. (Not a good idea)

Mother Nature provides a beneficial alternative. Simply find a fallen leaf and move it with a stick (or arrow) to the scrape, then apply your scent to the leaf. First, this will allow the air currents better access to your scent and second, by having this leaf placed in the scrape, the next buck that works it will clear off your leaf making it easier to see that you have had a visitor during your absence.

Tip #5: Hunt with a map before scouting.
A good topographical map can drastically reduce the amount of time a hunter spends scouting. Sure, all consistent Pope and Young enthusiasts scout, but they do it smart. A map can help "dial in" a specific couple of acres a hunters needs to investigate.

Locate food, funnels, pinch points, and bedding areas simply by analyzing a map. Then, when it's go-time, head into your hypothesized spot and hang a stand.