It always amazes me how differently the places I hunt are in June as compared to late fall and winter. You might think that’s an incredibly “DUH!” statement but there’s more to it than that. I frequent the woods I hunt as often as I possibly can during the traditional hunting months of September through December/January and I know certain areas like the back of my hand. However, even with that knowledge it is a whole new world when it comes to scouting during the summer months.
I went out to some of my favorite haunts on Saturday and was reminded just how much things change. Nothing looks the same. Places that I easily traveled and had good vision through just months before are now laden with new limbs/bushes/trees, bright green leaves, grasses, vines, thorns, spider webs and mosquitoes. At least you can see those obstacles and insects—it’s the ones you can’t see that are generally the biggest problem. Normally this adventure would lead to a sure case of chiggers and ticks--after all, ‘tis is the season.
I’m sure many of you have had the miserable experience of a case of chiggers or a tick bite. I won’t say I have perfected the prevention of such misery but I can recommend a few things that have helped me during my outings. First, I use “Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent” for Clothing which “repels and kills ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes”. Apply it to your clothing (pants, shirt and socks) according to the manufacturer’s instructions before you go out. Be sure to thoroughly coat the waistband/cuffs/sleeves inside and out. Second, wear long pants such as jeans and tuck the pants legs into rubber boots (preferably ones that cinch at the top). Third, tuck your shirt in. I also spray a product containing DEET at possible “entry points” such as the top of my boots, waistband, arms, back of neck. Nothing is full proof but this helps me; hopefully it will help you too.
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