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

LEDE Echocore Logo And Suppressors
LEDE Echocore Logo And Suppressors

EchoCore Suppressors Win Awards, Sign with Silencer Shop

In its first year of public evaluation, EchoCore Suppressors made an immediate impact at the 2025 Silencer Summit, taking first and second place in the 5.56mm category with its Sector 5.56 Full Size and Sector 5.56 Compact suppressors. On the heels of this, EchoCore has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Silencer Shop. 

New to the Flyway: Waterfowl Gear Roundup

Check out our roundup of the best of this season's waterfowl gear.

Chevron Commits $450,000 Wetland and Mottled Duck Conservation

Chevron recently continued its commitment to restoring and enhancing critical wetlands along the Louisiana coast by partnering with Ducks Unlimited (DU) to enhance private lands for waterfowl and other wildlife through the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and the USA Rice-DU Rice Stewardship Partnership.

Behind the Scenes: Hard Truths of Conservation

Hard Truths tackles misconceptions about hunting and conservation, but these ambitious goals require filming in tough conditions and in remote areas alongside some of the world’s most dangerous wildlife.

Re-Introducing the Ruger 10/22

Based on extensive consumer feedback, Ruger has upgraded the 10/22 rifle line with enhanced features previously found only in select configurations.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro

On this week's #SundayGunday, we are talking about one of the best buys out there in hunting rifles: the new Savage Axis 2 Pro. Savage has upped the budget bolt-action ante with the introduction of this new Axis 2. You don’t get something for nothing, and upgraded features do bump up the price a bit, but also the overall value. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.