Q1. What type of deer urine should I use on my ThermaSCENT pad? When during the season should I use deer urine?

A: Any brand of urine will work with your ThermaSCENT unit. We recommend using buck urine and tarsal gland together for whitetail deer starting from the opening day of bow season to the end of gun season. Right at the start of the season, bucks establish their territory by urinating down their back legs and rubbing this urine on their tarsal glands and depositing the scent on the ground. In marking their territory, the bucks are telling other bucks to "STAY OUT" while at the same time signaling does to enter. By using buck urine on the ThermaSCENT pad and applying tarsal gland next to where you set up your ThermaSCENT unit (tree or a log,) you are telling that dominant buck that there is another buck in his area. This process is called "INFRINGEMENT." ." Dominant bucks won't tolerate "somebody else in their bedroom" breeding their does. When a buck smells another buck in his area, he becomes very aggressive and will seek out that buck in order to get him out of his territory. This action leads the buck right to you.

Q2. How far away from me should I set up my ThermaSCENT unit?

A: Always set up your ThermaSCENT unit where you want to shoot your deer . If I'm bow hunting, I have my ThermaSCENT unit between 10 to 15 yards away from my stand. If I'm gun hunting with a shotgun (slug) I have my unit between 25 to 35 yards away from my stand. If I'm hunting with a rifle I keep my ThermaSCENT about 60 yards away from my stand. I've found through my hunting experience that these distances work best for me. Experiment to see what works best for you.

Q3. How long will the urine last on the pad before I need to add more urine?

A: If you put ½ an ounce of urine on the pad, it should last at least 4 hours . As the weather gets colder it may last longer. We suggest that BEFORE going out to your stand, put your ThermaSCENT pad in a zip - lock plastic bag, add deer urine, then seal it closed. Let the ThermaSCENT pad soak up the urine for no less than 10 minutes. Any excess urine in the bag can be saved to refresh the pad later or the excess urine can be applied to the ground where you set up your ThermaSCENT unit.

Q4. Where should I set up my ThermaSCENT unit and how high off the ground should it be?

A: We recommend laying your ThermaSCENT on the ground in a horizontal position with the grill and mat facing up or strapping your ThermaSCENT around a horizontal tree limb using the optional ThermaSCENT holster Do not put ThermaSCENT or any deer scent higher than your waist. You want a buck to approach with his head down. If you put the ThermaSCENT unit up high such as in your stand, the buck will raise his head up, making it more likely that he will see you.

Q5. When should I turn my unit on?

A: If the weather is warm (above 50 F), turn your ThermaSCENT unit on as you walk to your hunting site. It takes 10-15 minutes for the unit to reach its operating temperature. Once you get to your stand, insert your ThermaSCENT pad saturated with deer urine.
If the weather is cold, (below 50F), turn your ThernaSCENT unit on in your vehicle on the way to your hunting site and let it run for 15 minutes before going outside. Preheating the unit is important because butane needs to be warm to work properly. If for some reason turning the unit on in advance is not an option, put the butane cartridge somewhere warm such as in your inside jacket pocket. Once you reach your stand, insert the cartridge and your ThermaSCENT pad saturated with deer urine.

Q6. How do I turn my ThermaSCENT unit on?

A: To turn your ThermaSCENT unit on, remove the end cap from the unit and insert the cartridge into the scent dispenser turning it clockwise until it is snug. Replace the end cap. Remember that starting the unit is a two step process, similar to turning on a gas grill. 1: Slide the "ON/OFF" switch to the "ON" position; the butane gas will begin to flow. 2: After about 5 seconds, press the "START" button a few times in rapid succession. To verify the scent dispenser is on, check the lens at the end of the unit. The light glows orange when it is on. To turn off the unit, simply slide the "ON/OFF" switch to the "OFF" position.

Q7: When should I use hot doe, hot cow, or hot mule deer Estrous?

A: Hot doe is only used during the rut and the same applies to hot elk cow and hot mule deer estrous. When you see a buck chasing a doe, she is not yet ready to breed. But when she is ready, she will not run. She will flick her tail to the side and back right up to that male. This also applies to an elk cow and a mule deer doe.

As the hunting season progresses and we see bucks chasing does, or bulls chasing cows, we want to start using doe in estrus or hot cow with our ThermaSCENT unit. Do not use the same ThermaSCENT pad that you were using with buck urine or bull elk urine. We strongly recommend using a new pad and cleaning the platform with a mild non-scented detergent to remove any traces of the buck urine.

In fact, I prefer to use two ThermaSCENT units. I use one for buck urine only and the other one for doe in estrus or hot doe. Remember what we've suggested before about using a zip-lock plastic bag and mark on the bag "Buck Urine" or "Hot Doe". Holding the ThermaSCENT pad with the plastic bag as a barrier between your hand and the ThermaSCENT unit while inserting the ThermaSCENT pad into position on the unit is also recommended. This keeps your scent off the pad and keeps your hand free of deer urine. You can use rubber gloves for this as well.

Q8. Should I use a deer grunt tube or rattle while using my ThermaSCENT ?

A: You can grunt from bow season right through the end of the deer season. However, remember that rattling is not recommended during the rut. At this time deer are breeding, not fighting. Only rattle before or after the rut.

Knowing and checking wind direction at all times is also recommended. Remember that if you are grunting or rattling and a deer hears this, he will go downwind and try to smell what his ears just heard. If he doesn't smell what his ears just heard, he won't come. Remember too that food, sex and security all bring in game. By using ThermaSCENT, you will help create this illusion.

Q9: What do I do with my pads and scent dispenser at the end of the season?

A: At the end of the deer season we strongly suggest you discard your scent pads . Also remove the black platform from the unit and clean it with mild non-scented detergent. Finally, wipe down the OUTSIDE of your ThermaSCENT unit with a damp sponge. Do not soak or submerge your ThermaSCENT in any solution or water. Doing so will cause damage to the unit. Place all the scent dispenser parts in something clean like a big zip-lock bag and store it somewhere dry and cool. Keeping your ThermaSCENT unit clean and dry will keep your unit working for many years to come.

Q10: What animals in addition to deer can I attract with my ThermaSCENT Scent Dispenser?

A:

• Elk
• Mule Deer
• Coyotes
• Fox
• Bobcat