Every seasoned hunter understands the delicate dance of a stalk and how swiftly it can go awry if the wind abruptly shifts direction during an approach. Successful hunters rely on a combination of skill and the right equipment to maximize their performance. It’s widely recognized that deer, like many other prey animals, rely heavily on their three primary senses to ensure their survival. While some deer species may have better eyesight than others, what’s consistent among all of them is that their primary defense mechanism is their sense of smell. Leading stalkers and professional hunters commonly agree that, on average, deer depend on scent for about 65% of their awareness, eyesight for 15%, and hearing for 20%.
Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to mitigate this challenge, including deodorant sprays, pine-flavored chewing gum, and scent-treated garments. However, the fundamental truth remains: a hunter exhales approximately 10,000 liters of human scent every day, and regardless of the gear and expertise one possesses, if a deer catches your scent, it’s often game over, and you may not even spot them.
Some hunters periodically check the wind, especially at the outset of a stalk, using various methods like powders, cigarettes, or simply observing the movement of trees. However, it’s crucial to note that the air near the ground doesn’t always follow the same pattern as the air higher up in the trees. It can change suddenly as you move, influenced by factors like hedges, terrain, and turbulence—enough to disrupt your approach. Therefore, consistent and frequent wind checks are essential.
Airglo, developed by Napier, was designed to offer a user-friendly and convenient solution to this challenge. We took a close look at existing alternatives and found that many of them use relatively large particles and are stored in bulky containers, making them difficult to handle and locate in your pocket when needed. Our pack includes one dispenser and one camo neoprene sleeve with a belt clip and neck cord for easy access and portability, ensuring that you can maintain the upper hand in your hunt.