Irrational solutions is on the right track.
concentrate on in"front" of the rabbit, and follow through with you bow arm.
. I admit this isnt as cool as some the tools you guys have been guessing at, but lately i have seen a lot of threads with people discussing bug solutions.
This thing is all about the quality of the sit, whether you are hunting, cooking, or woodstove testing. I live in what is widely accpted as one of the buggiest places on earth. I am almost sure that this poll was done on TRADGANG.COM which is a site for traditional bowhunters. They are a group that I think could easily jive with this crew. There is a huge amount of MYOG, bushcraft, and everyone is always tweeking their setups and trying to improve their gear. I say this because I am trying to convey how incredibly picky, detail oriented and thorough this group is in their appreciation of gear.
Deet Works. No Doubt. I always have some. However, here are a few of Deets shortcomings:
It can ruin certain plastic materials and expensive high tech fabrics.
It stinks. If a human can smell it from 50 ft away a hog sure can.
The mosquitos are still there, just not on you. In the swamp or any low lying area the mosquitos are still so loud that a deer can easily walk right up to you without being heard.
I have done almost no summertime backpacking in recent years. Its just to ____ hot. But every night just to complete my chores around the house and do a burn or two on my stoves, I have to apply deet to every exposed area on my body. I dont mind really, but then I have to come in and read to my kids for an hour and it gets all over their beds.
I always miss a spot and the little buggers find it.
I know it may seem "contraption-like". I was a HUGE skeptic. but It has never failed me in hundreds and hundreds of hunts, excursions or just sitting around outside.
If I am camping and it isnt freezing, I will always have some mesh protection for sleeping. I just happen to really love cooking, mapreading and enjoying the campsite too. If you arent ready to get in your bivy or tent, You need some skeeter protection for that hanging out time.
If you ever sit around cursing the mosquitos or have to use a lot of deet just to be able to function in shorts, I urge you to at least try one. they are cheap, but accept no substitute. I havent tried any of the new little coleman fan thingies, but if someone says it doesnt work then it isnt the same as a themacell. I have always wanted to get a review from someone dealing with those northern mosquitos like the ALaskan state bird. YOu can get them at Wallyworld or any reputable outdoor outfitter.
Read some reviews and get you one for when its real buggy. I guarantee you will not regret your purchase. one butane cartridge last 12 hours and each pad about 4 hours and works in about a 10-15 ft radius. Not great for windy conditions, but then the bugs arent so bad then either.
I have kidded with my buddies for a few years now that real fear is sitting in the swamp 30 minutes before dark and having your thermacell start sputtering.
