When it comes to whitetail deer hunting, there’s no shortage of advice — but seasoned hunters know that success comes down to the right combination of scent, feed, and timing. We sat down with an experienced hunter, to break down what really works out in the bush, from scent control to feeding strategies and calling techniques.

The Best Scent for Whitetail Deer Hunting

There’s a reason some scents have stood the test of time.

Tink’s #69 is a favourite. It’s been around forever — the original, and still one of the best.

Whether you’re setting up a scrape or working from a tree stand, this classic scent mimics a doe in estrus and can be a real game-changer as the rut kicks in.

Gels, Liquids, or Sprays - Which Works Best?

Each has its place:

• Gels stick to branches and leaves, holding their scent longer and resisting rain.
• Liquids are ideal for pouring into scrapes or soaking a scent wick.
• Hot shot sprays (like Tink’s Foggers) create a fine aerosol that drifts naturally on the wind — perfect if you’re elevated in a stand and want to carry scent over a wider area.

Synthetic vs. Natural Scents

Here’s a big one that often confuses new hunters.
Natural scents come straight from deer farms, but in some provinces (like Ontario), it’s illegal to use natural urine-based scents due to concerns around Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

Synthetic versions, made in labs, smell identical — and last longer, too.

They’re every bit as effective, and safer for the herd overall.

Feed That Brings Them In

If you’ve been around hunting circles in Canada, you’ve probably heard of Rack Stacker — and for good reason.

It’s Canadian-made, from near Belleville. Steve Elmy started it about 12 years ago after working in the pet industry. He built something better — real nutrition for deer, not just salt.

Rack Stacker feed is packed with minerals that support antler growth and fawn health. The key, though, is starting early. Begin feeding in the spring. That’s when fawns and does really need the nutrients.

Calling and Rattling: Adding Sound to the Mix

Scents and feed bring them in close — but sound seals the deal.

Calling is a whole other chapter. Grunt calls, doe bleats, rattling antlers — it’s how you imitate natural deer communication.

Younger bucks often can’t resist the sound of two rivals clashing over a doe. They’ll sneak in to see if they can get lucky while the big boys are distracted.

Favourite Calls

Extinguisher Deer Call  is a favourite because you can slide between fawn, doe, and buck tones. Every deer sounds different, and if you make the same sound over and over, it just sounds fake.

As for rattling, timing is key.
Start once you see fresh scrapes — a telltale sign bucks are marking territory.
Dominant bucks will revisit these scrapes again and again, checking for estrous does.

It’s like a game of cat and mouse. They’ll hit a scrape, move on, and circle back to see if a doe’s been there.

Tips for New Hunters

For those just getting started, the best advice is simple: start early and think like a deer.

Most people start feeding way too late — mid-summer. Start as soon as the snow melts. The young ones learn where the feed is, and the minerals start soaking into the ground.

When setting up a site, remember the essentials:

• Cover: Deer need safety from predators.
• Bedding areas: Places they can rest undisturbed.
• Water sources: Close enough that they don’t have to travel far.
• Diverse food options: Minerals are great, but a mix of natural browse and supplements keeps them coming back.

Deer hunting is part skill, part patience, and part understanding the rhythm of the wilderness. Whether it’s choosing the right scent, timing your calls, or building a feeding program that supports healthy wildlife — every detail matters.