Hunting News

Deer hunters advised to stay ‘tick smart’

Deer hunters advised to stay ‘tick smart’

By Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

When Vermonters head out for deer season this fall, they are being reminded to be tick smart to prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. 

Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day rifle deer season that begins Nov. 10 and ends Nov. 25. 

“There are more deer in Vermont than there have been in recent years with the greatest numbers of deer found in the southwestern and northwestern regions of the state,” said Nick Fortin, deer project leader.    

A hunter may take one buck during this season with at least one antler having two or more points one inch or longer.  A point must be one inch or longer from base to tip.  The main beam counts as a point, regardless of length.  Spike-antlered deer, mostly yearlings, are protected during this season.

Vermont’s regular hunting licenses, including a November rifle season buck tag and a late season bear tag (for Nov. 10-18), cost $26 for residents and $100 for nonresidents.  Hunters under 18 years of age get a break at $8 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.  Licenses are available from license agents statewide and online.

Besides staying tick smart, hunters are also advised to wear a fluorescent orange hat and vest to help maintain Vermont’s very good hunting season safety record. 

Hunters can easily pick up a tick when wading through high grass and brush or sitting still along the edges of fields and forests.

November is one of the high-points in the year for reports of tick bites, and annual cases of Lyme disease continue to rise in Vermont, according to Department of Health officials.

Before going outdoors, hunters can help reduce their risk of tick bites by applying an EPA-registered insect repellent on skin and treating clothes with permethrin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and tuck pants into socks to keep ticks from your skin.

Do daily tick checks on yourself, your children and pets. And, if you find a tick, it right away. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has also been proven effective in washing ticks off the skin before they attach.
Put clothing into the dryer on hot heat for 10 minutes to kill remaining ticks.

If you were bitten by a tick, watch for signs of disease during the weeks following the bite. Call your health care provider if you experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue or joint pain.

For more tips on staying tick safe outdoors, visit here.

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