My fondest early smell is indeed just fired paper shells; most probably Winchester, but when you are 6 or 7, any would do, even Remmingtons. I would ask my Dad to bring back ANY emptys; please. I'd sniff them for a week.

Now, I still inhale deeply of my Barbour tweed jacket. last hunting use was on a 300 yard stalk in the Scottish Highlands last October. I can smell the Heather, or is it sheep dung? 300 yards on your belly will impart both. It is fading but still brings back the memory of a great day.

Another smell that is hard to erase from your brain is that of a nearby heard of cape buffalo. Driving past a cattle yard is close but not the same.

All the best,

Mal