Is it cold in the wild, and you’ve lightened up your propane heater?
If you are a deer hunter, you must know that deer have exceptional smelling sense; that’s why you should be careful about your scent while hunting in the woods.
But can deer smell propane heaters?
Yes, deer can smell propane heater fumes and your scent as well. But here comes the twist, your propane heater can cover your scent as propane gas rises swiftly and takes your odor with it. Isn’t it great?
Let’s discuss some facts about deer hunting and how a propane heater can attract deer in the wild.
Can Deer Smell Propane Heaters?
Nothing can intimidate a deer hunter except for cold, harsh weather and a deer attacking them back. It is well-known that a whitetail deer’s sense of smell is better than a hound’s. Or we can say that sniffing is the superpower of a deer.
Food for Thought: Whitetail deer have up to 297 million olfactory receptors, while humans have only 5 million. On the other hand, dogs have 220 million olfactory receptors, less than whitetail deer.
Survival in the wild is very challenging, especially in the winter. Hunters’ only buddy to cope with freezing temperatures is a propane heater. The reason for using a propane heater is straightforward; they are fuel-efficient, safest, and environment-friendly.
So, if you are out in the woods for deer hunting, chances are high that a deer would smell the propane fumes.
Deer use their smelling power to find food, search for mates, and sense the predator’s presence. Kerosine, diesel, or propane fumes are unnatural, and deer can sense danger from that. How to survive such a situation? Here is the safety guide for deer hunters.
Is using Propane Heaters Safe in the Wild?
Propane is the safest alternate energy source, and propane heaters are the best option to use in the wild or warm up your home in winter. However, while using propane burners in blinds / tree stands, you must be vigilant about the gas leakage and its sound! Because both can alarm deer and invite them to your blind. That’s the real danger.
Here are some precautionary measures to use propane heaters in the wild and keep you out of danger.
- Pick a portable propane burner that produces less sound. If your heater makes too much noise or its burning light is too high, deer will detect your presence and might cause trouble for you.
- Burn your propane heater at a low level so its glow remains minimal.
- Keep your blind ventilated, or else lack of oxygen will make you dizzy or worse, you may suffocate.
- Turn off the propane heater while you’re not using it.
How to Pick The Right Propane Heater to Prevent Mishaps in the Wild?
While getting a propane heater for your blind, keep the following things in mind.
- The burner is of the right size. It means you need to choose a propane heater that can warm up your blind by producing sufficient heat.
- Consider the capacity of the heater. A smaller propane heater will be enough if you are going in the wild for a few hours. But if you are planning to stay overnight, pick a bigger one.
- Check off safety features of propane heaters, such as thermostat switches or heat control features.
Picking up the right propane heater for hunting blinds is a very important decision for hunters. That’s why it is necessary to pick a burner that helps you stay warm on the frostiest nights and is portable so that you won’t have to carry the extra weight with you.
How to Place Blind When Using Propane Heater?
Your blind should be in the wind direction or downwind. As a hunter, you should play safe and place the propane heater as far as possible from the animal trail. The reason behind this is that deer can see the glow of the burner from afar and might avoid coming near your blind. You must keep your blind location at least fifteen to twenty yards from the access point of deer travelling.
Are Buddy Heaters Safe for Hunting Blind?
Buddy heaters are not recommended to use in enclosed spaces. However, if any manufacturer approves its safety in confined spaces, you can try it. Make sure to read the safety instructions before using the buddy heater. Also, keep the area well-ventilated when using a buddy heater in the blind. Moreover, keep a fire extinguisher with you in case of any emergencies.
There are many potential dangers of using propane heaters indoors. That’s why hunters should be watchful of accidents that can happen when heaters are left unattended.
Takeaway – Can Deer Smell Propane Heaters?
Deer huting is an exciting sport; however, finding the perfect deer is challenging for the hunters. Long hours of waiting for the absolute hunt in the frostiest wild environment can become a nightmare if you don’t have a heating device. A portable propane heater is best suited for hunting blinds. Consider the safety precautions mentioned in this article and hunt the whitetail deer of your dreams.
FAQs
What propane smells like? How can deer smell propane heaters?
Naturally, propane has no smell. However, propane used in the heaters is mixed with chemicals that release a rotten egg-like odour when leaked. Deer, with extraordinary olfactory receptors, can sense the pungent smell and get alert of the unnatural or odd propane smell.
Does the propane heater cover your scent?
The pungent smell of propane can be a blessing in disguise for hunters. As propane rises quickly, it takes your odour and helps hunters cover their scent in the wild.
Can a propane heater frighten deer off?
Yes, propane heaters can alert deer and scare them away. Deer can sniff the unusual smell propane heaters produce and might run away.
When are deer on high alert?
Maintaining cover is the pro approach to successful hunting. Though your aim is whitetail deer or buck, ensure you are well-camouflaged in the wild. Let’s see some red flags that indicate when and why a deer is on high alert.
1. Browsing Food
Deer are most active while browsing food, and deer start feeding at dawn. So, hunters must wait for the sun to rise for deer hunting. And the best time to hunt a deer is between 10 am to 11 am.
2. Drop in Temperature
Deer activity is increased when ten or more degree fahrenheit temperature is dropped in the daytime.
3. Mating Period
Deers are on high alert while searching for does. Mating time is critical for hunters as deer and buck can detect their presence and might counterattack in self-defence.
Do propane heaters produce toxic fumes?
No, fumes produced by propane heaters are not toxic. Propane is an asphyxiating gas that can suffocate a person if inhaled for too long. People should only use propane heaters outdoors. If you use a propane burner indoors or in a hunting blind, keep the space ventilated to avoid suffocation.