![]() ![]() Most Lyme cases among PNW residents currently come from exposures in the Northeast or Midwest portions of the U.S., but tick awareness is critical wherever you hunt and hike. Tickborne disease avoidance is worthy of your attention! Lyme is just one disease transmitted by bites of infected ticks.Consider using a DEET-based product (30% concentration or less for adults) as an additional way to avoid the bites. Wearing long sleeves and pants can help reduce mosquito bites. West Nile virus is a bird disease that can infect humans via mosquito bites. ![]() Keep your meat safe and sanitary by remembering to bring and use soap and water to wash your hands.īe ready to protect yourself from insect- and vector-borne diseases. Do not risk burdening yourself with a life-long health condition, such as brucellosis (also known as undulant, Malta or Mediterranean fever). In the past, the risk of exposure to transferrable diseases and parasites was underestimated, as were their consequences. Heavy rubber, latex or nitrile gloves are now a standard necessity for field-dressing your wild meat.Be bear-aware: If you hunt in bear country, carry spray, be familiar with drawing and triggering the spray and take precautions to avoid conflicts in your camp.Sufficient water: Are you carrying enough water, and do you have enough in reserve? Alternatively, do you have the means to filter the water you find safely? Do you have water (and soap) for washing your hands?.Be sure to know how and how fast those affect you before heading afield. Clothing and medications: Are you prepared if you must spend an extra night in the field or if the weather conditions change dramatically? Do you have extra socks, a space blanket, a basic first-aid kit, a mirror or whistle, waterproof matches and any critical medications? If you’re aware of being sensitive to pollen or bee/wasp stings, carry whatever medication you might need.Dress for Mother Nature’s moods and challenges.Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.Know the regulations for the species you are pursuing and the state in which you are hunting: Which body parts, evidence of sex/age or other requirements need to be preserved?.Hanging game in a good place with the right equipment is the secret to getting clean meat out of the field, so keep that feature in mind as you choose your campsite.Be prepared to know where you are and how to return to camp in all cases. Batteries can die, signals can fail and the experienced outdoors person can lose their way while trailing an animal in changing conditions. Have an accurate map of your area and carry a compass, even if you plan to carry your phone and GPS unit. Scouting, planning and communication ensure others know your travel plan and what day and time you expect to return.By choosing nontoxic ammunition, you will likely increase the amount of meat you can use because you will not need to take extra trimming precautions to avoid lead contamination. If you hunt with a rifle, consider using an alternative expanding, nontoxic or nonlead bullet that will retain mass and effectiveness. Food safety begins with considering how you will harvest your animal.Here are some reminders to reduce risks and maximize gains from the experience! Good planning for your safety and comfort increases your opportunity to enjoy a successful hunt. Success begins as you plan your trip into the field ![]()
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