Deer Detection: Can Deer Smell Thermacell? 2023 Guideline

Yes, Whitetail deer can indeed smell the gases produced by thermacells. Although deer can smell a thermacell, hunters should still use one to repel mosquitoes. As hunters, we are more worried about whether a thermacell may scare deer away from our hunting spots. Whitetail hunters will be happy to hear that the likelihood is that the answer to that question is no.

Further Reading

• Elk Hunting Boots
• Hunting Boots for Cold Weather
• Can Deer Smell Propane Heaters?

How does Thermacell work?

Three components make the Thermacell:

• The actual Thermacell unit
• A butane cartridge
• Repellent mats or pads

You only need to turn the device on, enter the fuel cartridge, and attach the repellent mat. A heated surface on the device will activate the insect repellent in the mat pad and build a 15-foot barrier around you to keep mosquitoes away. You only need this to defend yourself against mosquitoes.

Avoid applying any insect repellents or lotions. Thermacells are good at fending off those bloodsuckers. In my experience, there is nothing that repels mosquitoes more effectively than this,

Best Thermacell for hunting?

You can choose from a variety of Thermacell models that are available. You ought to pick a portable model for hunting. The one you choose to purchase is not significant. I went with the MR450. Only approximately $10 separates the MR450 from the MR300 while providing a more robust construction.

Additionally, it has a belt clip so that you connect it to a branch or other object when hunting. Spend the extra money and purchase the MR450 model if you want to throw things around.

How to use the Thermacell when hunting?

It takes a Thermacell 10 to 15 minutes to fully activate and heat the pad. Due to this delay in heating up, I advise turning on the Thermacell just before heading to the tree stand and carrying it inside your backpack or fastening it to the outside of it with a belt clip.

If you plan to search for longer than four hours (one mat is best for four hours), keep track of the time you start using it so you can know when to replace the mats.

Position the Thermacell upwind from you when you arrive at your hunting location. Don’t be concerned about the unit being incredibly close to your body because you have a 15-foot protective barrier in that place.

Try to keep it away from your face to prevent breathing in the vapor directly. If you breathe in a lot of fumes directly from the appliance, there are potential health risks.

I typically fasten it to the belt of the strap that holds my tree stand, which places it close to my waist when I’m seated or knees when I’m standing.

Try attaching the device outside the ground blind, directly near the window, if you are hunting from one. That will lessen your exposure to the fumes but still provide mosquito defense.

Thermacell’s fragrance won’t be able to mask your body odor.

Still, when picking your hunting locations, keep in mind that you want to keep deer upwind of the pair you scent and the scent of the Thermacell. Be careful to wander when replacing the pads or cartridge so you don’t startle any nearby deer.

The Benefit of Thermacell While Hunting

There are numerous advantages to using a Thermacell when hunting:

1. It protects against mosquito bites and the hazardous diseases that mosquitoes may spread.
2. Although Thermacell does not advocate for this, customers claim it deters bees and wasps, which may be a big annoyance when hunting in warmer climates.
3. It doesn’t smell as bad as standard bug sprays that contain Deet.
   Negative Aspects of Thermacell When Hunting:

The Drawbacks of Thermacell While Hunting

1. Although hunting in a region with high winds can influence the Thermacell, in general, windy days are less bug-filled.
2. ThermaCells have occasionally caught fire or burned down due to mechanical problems, anyhow, this is too small a fraction of the time and is uncommon.
3. Finally, if a Thermacell is used properly, it may not work as well. To get the best results, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Key Takeaways

Thermacell emissions are detectable by deer. Deer don’t run away when they smell it since they don’t associate it with danger. Before smelling the gases produced by the Thermacell, deer are more likely to detect your human aroma.

Use a Thermacell without hesitation if mosquitoes are helping you from enjoying your hunt or forcing you to leave your stand too soon. They repel bothersome flies and mosquitoes from you quite efficiently.

Thermacells that are portable will be the finest for hunting. For your refill, clear to choose the “Earth Scent” pack. Utilize your Thermacell with excellent practice. Don’t let it touch your face. It should hang securely to prevent it from falling to the ground. To avoid waking nearby deer, move cautiously when changing the refills. Continue to choose your hunting places to keep deer upwind of them.

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Natile Muir

Senior Editor at Hunting Fellow

Natile Muir specializes in writing articles on hunting equipment, with a focus on hunting boots. Natile has a wealth of experience in the outdoor industry and is highly skilled in identifying the best hunting gear available. Her passion for the great outdoors and hunting is evident in her writing, which is both engaging and informative.

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