The Outdoors' Best Smells

by
posted on August 17, 2010
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

H2H 375 H H Magnum Vs 416 Rigby Lead
H2H 375 H H Magnum Vs 416 Rigby Lead

Head to Head: .375 H&H Magnum vs. .416 Rigby

The .375 H&H Magnum and .416 Rigby are both capable of taking the entire spectrum of game animals, in any climate, on any continent. But which is the better choice for the hunter? We investigate.

New for 2024: Heritage Manufacturing Heritage 92 Line

Heritage Manufacturing has launched its line of Heritage 92 lever-action rifles. Rooted in tradition, the Heritage 92 series is designed to pay homage to the iconic firearms of yesteryear while delivering the precision and performance demanded by today's enthusiasts.

Accessing Peak Performance

On a West Texas hunt, where shots can go long, a capable rifle is only part of the equation. Success requires peak performance from the shooter, too.

Factory Test: QuietKat Debuts Apex HD and XD Model E-Bikes

Associate Editor David Herman got an exclusive preview of the new generation of Apex e-bikes from QuietKat, during a tour of the company's Eagle, Colorado headquarters. Read on for exactly what makes these new models tick.

First Look: Badlands Ultralight Packable Jacket and Vest

Badlands has debuted two new pieces of gear for the discerning backcountry hunter, with the Ultralight Packable (ULP) Jacket and Ultralight Packable (ULP) Vest.

First Look: Marlin Trapper Model 1895 with Magpul ELG Stock

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has introduced the Marlin Trapper Series Model 1895 equipped with Magpul ELG furniture.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.