The Outdoors' Best Smells

by
posted on August 17, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (8)
Research shows that scent evokes memories and past emotions with more potency than any other sense. A psychologist would say that is why the scent of leather makes me think of football; why fresh-cut grass evokes memories of summer; and why one whiff of my mother-in-law's perfume terrifies the hell out of me.
It also probably explains the decades-old love affair sportsmen have shared with Hoppe's No. 9. Not only does it have a naturally appealing smell, but it stirs memories of times spent afield, a favorite over/under and maybe even the first time Dad showed us how to clean a gun. I love the stuff and, when I'm not trying to dab it behind my significant other's ears, I'm applying it to my guns. Problem is I only get to enjoy its scent wafting through my gun room for an hour or two before it's gone. Finally, though, Hoppe's has created the product sportsmen have demanded for so long: A Hoppe's No. 9 air freshener!
Let's celebrate its release by naming our other all-time favorite outdoor smells. I've listed my top 10 below. I look forward to reading some of yours.
-Burnt shotshell powder
-Roasting (skin-on) mallards
-Gundog puppy breath
-Wet retriever
-That old, family hunting cabin smell
-Pan-fried quail
-Neoprene
-Pheasant feathers
-Wet, decaying leaves underfoot (think grouse/woodcock season)
-Duck blind Thermoscoffee

 

Latest

Support 110 And 112 Crossbar Elite 2
Support 110 And 112 Crossbar Elite 2

First Look: Buck Knives 110 & 112 Crossbar Elite

The next evolution of Buck’s iconic 110 and 112 family pairs classic design with a modern crossbar lock, MagnaCut steel and premium materials.

Range Tested: Traditions' .50 Caliber Nitrobolt Muzzleloader

A review on this latest addition to Traditions' Federal Firestick powered line up.

Winchester Contributes More Than $500,000 to Conservation for a Continent Campaign

Winchester recently announced it has contributed more than $500,000 over the past seven years to the historic Ducks Unlimited (DU) Conservation for a Continent Campaign. The campaign generated an unprecedented $4.06 billion for continental conservation and stands as the most ambitious conservation campaign ever undertaken on behalf of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl.

#SundayGunday: Ruger LC Carbine

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a nifty survival or predator carbine—the Ruger Light Compact Carbine—LC for short—chambered in .45 ACP.

Why National Hunting and Fishing Day Matters

National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is observed on the fourth Saturday of September each year (September 26 this year), is a day we should know one thing about: Hunters are America’s original conservationists.

Hunting Cape Buffalo: Don’t Just Stand There—Keep Shooting

A 49-year veteran of hunting the Cape buffalo is here to say encounters with the great beast aren’t always as you imagine.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.