Avoid Stick of the Tick

Tick season may not be listed on the sportsmen's calendar, but that shouldn't prevent hunters from going outdoors prepared for a very likely encounter with this prolific species. As weather warms this spring, ticks will become active, most likely until midsummer, or later. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can take several steps to prevent becoming a host to these hitchhikers and the various diseases they may carry.

Ticks are often associated with one of two groups: hard or soft ticks. "Hard ticks" are often found in wooded, grassy, or other densely vegetated areas, whereas "soft ticks" tend to reside in bird nests, on rodents, and on bats. Although many ticks can make their way to...