Bowhunters think we’re apex predators, but sometimes we’re the prey. Consider all the critters that can bite us while bowhunting.
The ubiquitous mosquito is the most widespread predator of bowhunters. These irritating insects constantly buzz our ears and seek any exposed patch of skin to bite, especially early in the season. Commercial repellents containing DEET, natural repellents like citronella and lemon eucalyptus oil and fuel-powered devices like the Thermacell can repel these annoying pests, as can mesh bug suits.
Mosquito bites usually aren’t a big deal. If the itching really bothers you, wrap ice in a washcloth and hold it on the bite for 10 minutes. Then apply a paste of oatmeal and water. Or, wash the affected area and then apply hydrocortisone cream. You can also take an oral antihistamine to reduce swelling. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
Ticks are another nuisance. Wear DEET insect repellent or permethrin to repel them, and thoroughly examine yourself for ticks after hunting. Most tick bites are harmless, but ticks can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis and other diseases.
If a tick bites you, remove it from your skin with a tweezers or tick-removal tool, being careful to remove the mouth parts. Quick removal can prevent disease transmission. Treat the bite with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. If possible, retain the tick for examination by a doctor. If you develop a bulls-eye rash or experience headaches, sore joints, fever, chills, nausea or other ailments, seek medical attention.
You may unwittingly walk through a fire ant colony. These pests can inflict multiple stings that produce a burning sensation. First, brush away ants to prevent further stings. The stings produce itchy bumps that turn into blisters. Wash the bitten area with soap and cold water, then take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the afflicted area. Seek medical attention if you develop a severe allergic reaction.
You may be bitten by a snake while walking or while sitting in a ground blind. There are 22 species of snakes in the United States (37 if you count subspecies), but only the rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths and coral snakes (an ocean species) are venomous. Still, even non-venomous snake bites can be harmful.
If you’re in venomous snake country, wear snake-proof chaps or gaiters, and try to be careful of where you step. If you’re bitten, get away from the snake as quickly and safely as possible. Try to note what it looks like so you can determine whether it’s venomous. All the venomous species you’re likely to encounter are pit vipers and have a triangular head with a depression (pit) between the eye and nostril.
Unless you’re sure of the species that bit you or you know there are no venomous snakes in the area, treat every bite as if it were venomous. Even bites from non-venomous snakes can produce allergic reactions or infections. Clean the wound thoroughly, but do not add ice, take pain relievers or drink alcohol or caffeine. Remove jewelry and tight clothing near the bite in case of swelling. If you experience dizziness, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, sweating, nausea or salivation, seek immediate medical attention.
Scorpions are yet another creepy crawly that can sting you. Only one species of U.S. scorpion can produce deadly venom, but you should still take every sting seriously. If you’re stung by a scorpion, clean the skin with soap and water and apply a cold compress. You can take a pain reliever, but don’t take any medication that could make you drowsy. In most cases, the pain should subside on its own. But if you experience numbness, slurred speech or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek medical attention.
While mosquito bites are almost a given during warm weather, it’s highly unlikely you will ever be bitten by a large mammal while bowhunting. But it’s always a possibility. If you’re calling or using scents, you may attract a predator instead of a deer or elk. And any time you’re baiting bears, the encounter could turn deadly. Or consider walking up on a wounded animal. You could be bitten, clawed, kicked or spurred. So always be alert, especially when approaching a downed animal.
If a large mammal bites or claws you, get to a doctor right away if the wound is deep or obviously serious. If it’s a small bite, wash it with soap and water and then apply antibiotic ointment and bandage the wound. If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in a few years, it’s a good idea to get one. If the bite changes color, swells or begins to ooze, it could be infected. Seek immediate medical help.
Follow these tips to avoid being bitten or to treat a bite if it does occur. And, as a precaution, always let others know where you’ll be hunting and when you expect to return.
