It’s pretty ironic that, during your hunt, the trophy bucks are not the only ones being stalked — you’re also being hunted.
Late summer and early fall days bring some of the best hunting weather. Unfortunately, the insects in the area agree and are just waiting to attack. There are countless bugs in the mountains that are just waiting to suck the life out of you during your hunt. Not only are they preying on any living thing, but they also can carry and infect you with debilitating diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile virus, malaria, Lyme disease, and more. It doesn’t matter where you are; bugs will find you and feed on you.
Continue reading to learn how to avoid becoming their next meal.
3 Tips for Repelling Bugs During Your Hunt
Take Cover — One of the best defenses against bugs is to cover up with clothing. Late summer and early fall days still can reach 80° Fahrenheit or more, so wearing clothes head to toe might not sound ideal. But, in the long run, it’ll be one of the better decisions you make and will save you a lot of scratching. Layering your clothes during these hot hunting days may seem counterintuitive, but if you layer with cooling garments under your camo, you can help relate your body temperature and keep bug bites at bay.
Use Insect Repellent — Another great defense against insects is repellent. Unfortunately, most repellents are incredibly smelly. If you can smell it, the animals you are hunting can dang well smell it, too. Deer heavily rely on their sense of smell, and if they get a single whiff of insect repellent, you might as call it “deer repellent.” Find a hunter’s formula that smells like “earth” or that is odorless and contains DEET.
Location, Location, Location — Where you set up camp can make a huge difference in the number of bugs you deal with. Avoid setting up your camp, tree stand, or ground blind near standing water. Standing water is a literal breeding ground for many bugs, especially mosquitoes. Moreover, mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs love hiding in high grass, which you will almost always find near ponds, lakes, and other types of standing water. In addition to setting up camp away from standing water, you’ll want to consider camping in a clear area, away from heavy woods, that is exposed to wind. The trouble is, you need to find a good balance of clear but not too clear so that your tent won’t blow away or become a lightning rod in a storm.
Book Your Next Hunt With R & K Hunting Company
If you love being in the great outdoors, make sure to apply these tips to avoid bothersome bugs during your hunt.
For an exciting hunting adventure in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Utah and Wyoming, contact the professionals at R & K Hunting Company. We take the headaches and hassles out of planning your next hunt. Let our team do the hard stuff so that you can soak in the good. Contact R & K Hunting Company to book your next hunt today.