Scent and Markers?
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2019 8:37 pm
Around the campfires at expeditions and other outing we have been discussing how some of the markers like suspected pointers in the trees at night. Splatter was the one that came up with the idea that they could be scenting it before putting it up either with whatever sweat glands they have or with urine. Last year at the Bennett expedition I got a chance to experience that it may indeed be true. I've posted the video of the day exploration of a possible tall boy trail when I smelled something and because of those discussions I looked up to find a possible pointer about 10 foot above me. It had been woven in the branches and the only way I could reach it was with my walking stick.
After that I have been thinking about some of the odd stuff I have found in the research area. In the one holler I explored a couple years back had buck deer skulls in the bottom by the spring that provides water in the area. Neither skull had other bones with it or had any indication of being chewed on as is normal for bones in the woods. After a night in the woods with a fellow researcher Kris last month, he asked if it had been marked? Again scent comes up as a possibility. He is of the thought that they mark their hunting areas and maybe left over food from hunting. It would make some sense of why nothing seemed to be willing to chew on them. Our sense of smell is not nearly as keen as other critters so even though I didn't smell anything. I never even thought about it at the time.
I am now suspecting that we could be missing some critical evidence when we leave behind some of the head scratchers that we come upon in the woods. Now I have no idea how it could be tested for scent, but maybe you guys have an idea.
After that I have been thinking about some of the odd stuff I have found in the research area. In the one holler I explored a couple years back had buck deer skulls in the bottom by the spring that provides water in the area. Neither skull had other bones with it or had any indication of being chewed on as is normal for bones in the woods. After a night in the woods with a fellow researcher Kris last month, he asked if it had been marked? Again scent comes up as a possibility. He is of the thought that they mark their hunting areas and maybe left over food from hunting. It would make some sense of why nothing seemed to be willing to chew on them. Our sense of smell is not nearly as keen as other critters so even though I didn't smell anything. I never even thought about it at the time.
I am now suspecting that we could be missing some critical evidence when we leave behind some of the head scratchers that we come upon in the woods. Now I have no idea how it could be tested for scent, but maybe you guys have an idea.