Having read a lot this summer on scent, odor, and tracking (mainly tracking humans) what I've learned has changed my way of thinking on deer. It appears the biggest limiting factor in tracking humans is not the dog but the handler not being in good enough physical condition. Many things where tried to hide the scent from the dog including pepper spray but the dogs always sorted through it. A deer is suppose to have a 30% better sense of smell than a dog. Basically the conclusion I've come to is the only way to beat a deer's nose is using the wind.