As bowhunters, we are fanatics about scent control. We have to be in order to fool the keen smelling sense of the whitetail deer and get within archery range. To accomplish our task, we go to extreme measures to keep our bodies and clothes clean of any odors. We store our clothes in scent-proof bags, inside of rubber or plastic scent-proof totes, wash our clothes, bodies and shampoo our hair with scent-free soaps and use scent-free deodorants. I've even read where some guys shave their entire bodies to keep bacteria growth to a minimum! We wear scent-free boots and never wear our hunting boots when stopping for gas (fill ups are done the night before the trip starts). We also spray down our clothes with scent killing sprays or cover scents before we head into the woods and often reapply during mid-day and right before the prime evening time. Yes, we are fanatics.

       Although I do not have factual data, I'd suspect the scent control industry is a multi-million, perhaps billion dollar industry. Our obsession with scent control has even spun off into actual scent control garments. We have carbon suits that trap odors and don't allow the odor molecules to be released into the air. There are garment materials that are supposed to breakdown the odor causing bacteria as it grows preventing odors entirely and then there is a new technology that is similar to carbon but these fibers attract odors without the use of carbon. This is marketed as Odor Magnet Technology (OMT). This new company sells it's garments under the brand name: No Trace. The idea being to leave No Trace of your human scent or presence anywhere in the woods. Their ad even asks "Who has heard of No Trace" with a picture of a deer leg sticking up as if it is raising its hand. Quite unique and effective.

      Not long ago, I attended the CBA National 3D shoot in New York. Steve Rockey gave a compelling seminar on the use of scents and then drew a parallel to our spiritual lives. He pointed out that our Holy God, cannot tolerate sin and when we are sinful, oh how we must really reek to the nose of God. We must be cleaned up, but only God can do that for us. No amount of perfume or odor killing agents can do the work of God. We have this promise to cling to: Jeremiah 31:34 NLT "And I will forgive their wickedness and will never again remember their sins."

Just this past Sunday, a young couple sang a song by Mathew West, It's Only Grace.

The chorus hit me square in the face and seems to fit well here.

There's only grace

There's only love

There's only mercy and believe me it's enough

Your sins are gone

Without a trace

And there's nothing left now

There's only grace

     Yes, Praise be to God - There is "NO TRACE" of my sins before him. Although I may remember them and Satan may try to use my past sins against me, God does not remember them! And if you're a child of God, the same is true for you! Can you raise your hand to testify there is "No Trace" of your sins in God's sight?

Ed McMinn, Secretary

Almost Heaven Archers, WV