Neccessary...yes particularly for bow hunters; but over-hyped....big time

You know, I'm going to answer yes and no. If I have it, I use it, but don't worry as much anymore as I used too if none is around. I try to keep clean clothes without detergent scents, same with using deoderants, etc. I do however often rub say Juniper or Pine on my clothes at times, whatever plant is local, and always step in and twist in any fresh Elk or Deer scat I come across for my boots, LOL. Those sprays do work though at limiting odor, especially if hot weather hunting which is when I worry more about it; and perhaps stand hunting as well. I haven't bought any "cover" type scents or attractants in 20 years though, and notice no difference at all, not thinking they are worth it in my experiences. I can't afford those "scent-lok" type clothings, so can't comment on that...

I'm a firm believer in using the wind/air when stalking. If not in my favor I don't waste my time at all... period, and head in a different direction no matter how good an area seems. I've also spent hours circling around sited game for the same reasons.

The only scent control that I have ever used is good old mother nature.  When hunting I'll store my hunting clothes in a plastic bag with what ever kind of trees that I am hunting around.  If I am in the heavy pines I'll place some pine limbs into it and the same with cecar trees.  Then if I find some fresh elk scat I'll rub a little bit on my boots or the bottom of my pants.  So far I haven't had too bad of luck with 5 elk and quite a few deer to my credit with a bow. 

I know that there are some that swear by the scent cover ups and other things on the market but I have never seen the need for any. 

I figure it cant hurt, I wash my hunting cloths with that scent killer laundry soap before i go, the store them in a scent bag, when get to my area I'll put some pine branches in with them. and before hitting the woods I'll spray myself down with some spray.

 IMO scent control is a big part of being a succesful hunter.

I don't mean that I go out and by every scent control product out there, but definetly I try to be aware of wind direction and use some sort of cover scent. Also I try to keep my hunting gear and clothes away from odors that tend to linger like smoke, laundry soaps, fabric softenrs , and any domestic animals like dogs and cats.

Deer or Elk attractants are a big part of my game during rut also. Nothing beats dragging a fresh tarsel gland on a string behind your boot, or hanging one in a scrape or rub or mock scrape or rub...

Just my 2 cents I'm not always succesful so don't go by what I say: :neener: .

Very neccesary I was out gun hunting last season and a doe walked right under my stand.  She stopped sniffed took off then stopped about 60 yards away in a clearing so I shot her but that day I beleived.