Re: Anybody Know about scents and scent killer\'s???
N. Sniper, I'm from Alaska and have a little experience hunting Elk & Deer on Shuyak and Afognak Islands (part of Kodiak Isand where Elk reside)
Leave all your calling paraphernalia at home, unless you want to be surrounded by brownies within minutes of your first call, The AK Dept. Of Fish & Game also don't recommend using any type of calls, be they mouth blown or electronic.
I agree with the other fellas on working the wind, but the wind on these Islands is very unpredictable, from one hill to another the winds can change out of your favor really quick.
I use the Scent Blocker hunting camo washed in Sports Wash Scent Destroying Laundry Detergent & UV Killer spray, both by Sno-Seal. Also I take the fresh green tops and branches of small spruce trees, chop them up into 1" to 2" pieces and place them into a large contractor trash bag with my hunting clothing, yep all clothing, including socks, underwear etc. several weeks before hunting season, makes you smell like a Christmas Tree and there's lots of those in Elk country.
When out hunting I carry a small spray bottle of Scent Killer and use it liberally under armpits, down your pants etc. etc.,-- pine and earth masking scents sprayed lightly on clothing and boots , I have never used any urines or in-heat type of scents for Elk or deer on the Islands, (bear attraction).... of course I use cow-moose-in-heat scents on the mainland for moose during the rut..brown bear season open during that time..
I use these methods for all my hunting, brown/black bear, moose, elk, deer, wolf, coyote and fox, I have had several red fox come within a few yards before getting spooked by movement..
Where you going for Elk? I like to hunt the Seal Bay area of Shuyak Island, there is miles of old logging roads in that place, we usally bring Mt. Bikes and believe it or not, elk and deer do not spook when you are rolling along on a bike.
Wish you the best of luck on your trip and good hunting...
P.S.
That area I mentioned has a nice herd of elk, we've taken some nice 6x6 and 5x6 elk and numerous 5x5 and 5x4 Sitka Blacktails..
usually you can get info on the herd locations from the Kodiak Office of the AK Dept. of Fish N' Game..