I always used to use straight hulls. I don't recall them ever giving me much trouble. But I only dipped my traps one year, because of all of the digs and low catches. A lot of folks really like to dip, but it just didn't work for me.
If you think the traps have odors, you might try tossing them in a creek for a week or so or take them to the car wash for a good cleaning.
I kept my hulls in five gallon buckets with lids. The kids couldn't open then to play, or spill anything on them when I wasn't around.