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

Speedgoat 2 On Goose
Speedgoat 2 On Goose

Reviewed: Montana Knife Company Speedgoat 2.0

There are thousands of knives out there to choose from. Out of the dozens of knives I personally own, this one from Montana Knife Company clearly stands out as a hunter’s top-tier tool.

Hardware Review: Henry SPD HUSH

If you’re a lever action traditionalist, the Henry Special Product Division (SPD) HUSH may befuddle you. Not only does the SPD HUSH eschew traditional features, but it’s also purpose built for something that ol’ Benjamin Tyler Henry could never have imagined. HUSH is short for Henry’s Ultimate Suppressor Host.

Speer Announces New Products That Will Be Showcased at SHOT Show 2026

Speer Ammunition has announced several new loads for 2026, which include one new addition of Lawman TMJ and two new additions of Speer Impact component bullets for reloaders.

New for 2026: Ruger Red Label III

Ruger has announced the return of one of America's most iconic over/under shotguns with the Red Label III. First launched in 1977, the original Ruger Red Label earned a reputation for rugged reliability, classic lines, and American-made quality. Decades later, the Red Label III strives to continue that legacy.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Gun Slinger Chest Rig

The Gun Slinger Chest Rig, is now offered alongside the original Big Game Chest Rig for hunters who want sidearm carry built in from the start.

#SundayGunday: Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2, the latest iteration of hunter-focused spotting scope from Leupold. Coming in both straight and angled configurations, and the buyer’s choice of 20-60x85mm or 15-45x65mm zoom ratio’s the SX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 has a configuration for any preference and set of circumstances.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.