Bugs

[Mike Foss]

Over the years of guiding we have never had an issue with Bugs, mosquitos, knats etc, but this year I believe is going to be different, I have never seen so much standing water. I know of a few great products I do recommend. Coleman has a unscented insect repellent called 100 Max Deet, it comes in a small pump spray bottle. Another one, and I know most of you have heard of the Thermacell. I was skeptical of the Thermacell until I seen it in action a few years ago while I was filming for one of the past Drury Dream Season team winners on a trophy Elk & Mule deer hunt in Utah. You think Canada has big Mosquitos The hunter put the Thermacell on his back pack while we stalked and walked, I couldnt believe how well it worked, for fun he turned it off and the bugs were all over us in minutes. I dont know if they have any unscented refill cartridge but the Thermacell seems to be a great weapon to fight against those pesty bugs.

Anyone have any other good products to fight those relentless blood suckers?

[dan]

The two you named are about the best in my opinion, but I personally lean more torwards the Deet... Both give off odor, but its more about playing the wind than trying not to smell. I do avoid products that smell strong, but if bears or deer get your wind its game over anyway. I personally don't think the odor is a big deal. The big deal is where, how, and when you set up to hunt as well as your approach.
I believe a lot of hunters trying to be "scent free" ruin there hunt because of to much movment swatting at skeeters.
I like thermacell but the issues I have with it have been it don't work well when your moving or walking, and its another large pc of equipment you need to carry with you to the stand.

[RaisedByWolves]

I dont know if they have any unscented refill cartridge but the Thermacell seems to be a great weapon to fight against those pesty bugs.

I don't think they have anything unscented or ever will, the regular scent is supposed to be that of a chrysanthemum flower...they do make an earth scent refill tho

[Rutnstrut]

The skeeters and horse flys are so bad right now that my Thermacell couldn't keep up the last few days.

[RaisedByWolves]

i wouldn't use them under horrendous circumstances, but has anyone ever tried those adhesive patches that stick to your skin or clothes?? always wondered about those.

[dan]

You need a .410 shotgun to deal with the skeeters that have been coming out of the marsh by me lately... Not a lot of them but they are huge.