LoneStarMapOutdoors • Hunters
Tick safety for hunters
Hunters often have high tick exposure — sitting in brush, walking through fields, and handling game. A combination of permethrin-treated gear, repellent, and careful checks helps lower the chance of bites during long days afield.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2026 · Educational only — not medical advice.
Gear up
- Treat hunting clothing and boots with permethrin ahead of the season.
- Use an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin.
- Tuck pants into boots and seal gaps where ticks climb on.
In the field
- Be aware that field-dressing game can expose you to ticks; consider gloves.
- Avoid sitting directly in leaf litter or tall grass when possible.
After the hunt
- Do a thorough full-body tick check, including hard-to-see areas.
- Shower soon after returning and dry clothing on high heat.
- Note any bites and watch for symptoms in the following weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Why are hunters at higher tick risk?+
Hunters spend extended time in tick habitat and may handle game, increasing exposure. Treated gear and thorough checks help reduce bites.
Can handling deer cause alpha-gal syndrome?+
Alpha-gal syndrome is associated with tick bites, not with handling game per se. Reducing tick bites is the practical goal. For medical questions, see a clinician.
Sources used
- Repellent-Treated ClothingEPA
Guidance on permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Find the Repellent That Is Right for YouEPA
Search tool for EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
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Tick safety for hunters
Tick safety for hunters: permethrin-treated gear, repellents, field-dressing awareness, and thorough tick checks. Hunters face high exposure — here's how to lower the risk.