Tick Safety for Hunters
Hunters are often around a lot of ticks. They sit in brush, walk through fields, and handle game. Permethrin-treated gear, repellent, and careful checks together help lower the chance of bites during long days in the field.
Last reviewed
Gear up
- Treat hunting clothes and boots with permethrin before the season.
- Use an EPA-registered repellent on bare skin.
- Tuck pants into boots and seal gaps where ticks climb on.
In the field
- Field-dressing game can expose you to ticks, so think about wearing gloves.
- Try not to sit right in leaf litter or tall grass.
After the hunt
- Check your whole body for ticks, including hard-to-see areas.
- Shower soon after you get back, and dry clothing on high heat.
- Note any bites and watch for symptoms in the weeks that follow.
- If you get hives, swelling or stomach pain a few hours after eating venison, beef or pork, ask a doctor about alpha-gal syndrome.
Common questions
Why are hunters at higher tick risk?
Because they spend long hours where ticks live. They may also handle game, which adds to the risk. Treated gear and careful checks help cut down bites.
Can handling deer cause alpha-gal syndrome?
Not by itself. Alpha-gal syndrome is linked to tick bites, not to handling game. Cutting down tick bites is the practical goal. For medical questions, see a doctor.
Sources
- 1.
- 2.Repellent-Treated Clothing (opens in a new tab) · EPA
Guidance on permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- 3.Find the Repellent That Is Right for You (opens in a new tab) · EPA
Search tool for EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
- 4.Alpha-gal Syndrome (opens in a new tab) · CDC
What alpha-gal syndrome is, symptoms, and its association with tick bites.
This guide is here to help you learn. It is not medical advice. If you have symptoms or questions, see a doctor. If someone has trouble breathing or a severe allergic reaction, call 911. Read our sources and disclaimer.