September Hunting & Tick Safety: Field Guide for Hunters

Hunting Season & Ticks: A September Field Guide for Deer Camps and Dog Handlers

Short version: Early hunts mean leaf litter, tall grass, and brushy edges where ticks thrive. Layer protection: treated clothing, smart in-field habits, fast brush-downs at the truck, and high-heat drying when you get home. Keep dogs on preventatives and give them a quick swipe before they hop in the cab.

Why September matters

Early archery and other seasons open in many states during late August and September, which puts hunters right back into prime tick habitat while temps are still mild. 

Where ticks find you during hunts

  • Leaf litter and brushy borders at field and trail edges

  • Tall grass along fencelines and unmaintained access paths

  • Bench edges, blowdowns, and bedding cover you crawl through to set a stand or recover a deer

  • Dog parks, training fields, and upland edges when working bird dogs

Public-health guidance is consistent: treat clothing and gear, use EPA-registered repellents on skin as directed, and do checks after time afield. 

Pre-hunt prep

  • Clothing & gear: Treat pants, socks, gaiters, and outer layers with 0.5% permethrin or buy pre-treated items. It remains protective through several washings. Never apply permethrin to skin. US Forest Service

  • Skin repellent (optional): Choose an EPA-registered active such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and follow labels. US EPA

  • Pack a brush-down tool: Keep a TiCK MiTT in your vest or truck door pocket for quick swipes at breaks and before you drive home.

  • Dogs: Ask your vet about tick preventatives and plan a post-run check of ears, armpits, belly, and between toes.

In the field

  • Stay on clearer paths where possible and avoid kneeling or sitting directly in leaf litter.

  • During long sits, do a quick mid-hunt check of cuffs, socks, and waistline.

  • Handle downed game with gloves and be mindful that ticks can transfer from deer to you or your clothing. Maine

Post-hunt: the “truck tailgate” routine

  1. Brush-down before you climb in: Swipe pants, socks, boot tops, and pack straps with a TiCK MiTT. Do the same for your dog before they jump into the crate or back seat.

  2. Containment: If transporting or hanging a deer at home, use a dedicated tarp or liner so ticks don’t end up in your truck bed or yard. Permethrin-treated tarps are recommended by some state agencies. Maine

  3. At home: Tumble-dry hunting clothes on high heat for 10 minutes (longer if damp) to kill ticks on dry clothing; then wash on hot if needed. CDC

  4. Shower within two hours when possible and re-check common areas: hairline, behind ears, armpits, waistband, groin, backs of knees, and ankles. CDC

Special note: Alpha-gal syndrome for hunters

The lone star tick can trigger alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an allergy to red meat and other mammal products. CDC offers hunter-specific materials explaining symptoms and prevention. Bottom line: prevent bites and take any post-meal reactions seriously. CDC+2CDC+2

Gear checklist for a tick-smart hunt

  • TiCK MiTT for quick swipes in the field and at the truck

  • Nitrile gloves for field dressing

  • Dedicated tarp/liner for transporting or hanging deer Maine

  • Trash bag to quarantine outer layers until they hit the dryer on high heat CDC

How TiCK MiTT fits your system

The TiCK MiTT is chemical-free and reusable for 30-second brush-downs of pants, socks, boot tops, packs, leashes, and dog fur before critters ride home with you. Keep one in the truck and stash a bundle at camp so every hunter and handler has one.

FAQs for hunters

Are ticks still active when mornings are cold?
Yes. Many species remain active whenever temperatures are above freezing, especially in leaf litter and brush. Keep the routine going all fall. OSHA

Is permethrin for skin or clothing?
Clothing and gear only. Apply to garments, let dry, then wear; or buy factory-treated items. US Forest Service

What’s the fastest way to de-tick clothes after a hunt?
High-heat tumble drying for about 10 minutes on dry clothing kills ticks; add time if clothes are damp. CDC

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