Arkansas Hunters: Get Ready for Insects as Deer Season Approaches
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is reminding hunters to prepare for a different kind of hunt as deer season approaches: battling insects. While warm weather hunting in September means deer in velvet, it also means mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers will be in full force.
Hunters can expect these biting pests to be more aggressive due to the relatively warm weather. The AGFC recommends using DEET-based insect repellents to keep these insects at bay and protect against diseases like Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome. Additionally, applying permethrin to clothing will help prevent insects from landing on you during the hunt.
Other tools like ThermaCELL, which uses a handheld heating element to vaporize insect repellent, can create a zone of protection around the hunter. This product is particularly effective for bowhunters who sit in tree stands for extended periods. Natural repellents such as sulfur powder are also an option, although its effectiveness in deterring game animals is less certain.
With the new buck-only archery season starting on September 7, Arkansas hunters are set to experience a unique thrill, taking bucks while they are still covered in “velvet,” the soft material on antlers during their growth phase. The AGFC emphasizes the need for hunters to prepare for both the hunt and the insects, ensuring a successful and safe hunting experience.
Despite these challenges, the promise of velvet-covered bucks and a longer hunting season is expected to attract both seasoned and new hunters. The AGFC has also noted that women are the fastest-growing segment of the hunting community, making this opportunity all the more inclusive.
For those interested in showcasing their culinary skills, the World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off is scheduled for September 7 at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center.
