Biting insects

[Boatdoc39]

Thought I would jump in here and ask a question that I can't seem to find an answer to. Are the mosquito's, gnats or biting flies a problem in the Colorado mountains during bow season? Living here in Louisiana, they are a part of daily life (the biting gnats are horrible this spring). Also, are there any plants to watch out for? I learned about Nebraskas variety of stinging nettles the hard way when I sat down in a patch of them on a turkey hunt last year. They looked totally innocent, until my hands and arms were on fire. Lol! I have read to watch for ticks in early season.

[cohunter]

Nettles are most definitely an issue. There is poison Ivy in the lower elevations, but most elk habitat is above most of the poison ivy. Some places have a pretty severe mosquito population, especially in areas with more consistent water. The mosquitos won't be nocked back until a good stretch of chilly nights, sometimes several days into the season. Deer flies are worst in the summer, but have mostly disappeared by late August. That's about it for the biting things... Should be a whole lot tamer than the south! There are ticks, but very few of the Lyme's disease variety (there's some debate about this) and Rocky Mountain Tick Fever is a lot less intimidating!

[CurlyTail]

Most areas - no bugs

Some wet areas - bad mosquitoes

Do you mind saying what area you are hunting?

[Fridaythe13th]

Early September Idaho has been no problem, not sure about Colorado. watch out for those d@mn bee's.

[Boatdoc39]

I don't mind at all, since it's an OTC area, and our plans are pretty loose right now. Should be in 77, heading north into 751. We've only been given some general areas by a couple of local guys, but no 'spots'. We just have to go figure it out on our own. Bringing a couple horses to pack in with. Was hoping the deer flies and biting flies wouldn't torment them too bad in September. And also wondered if we needed to bring a ton of mosquito spray, or just a couple cans in case.

[six]

I'll second the bees. We were in unit 21 for a couple of years. Couldn't open a can of Mt Dew and set it down without covering it. My buddy learned the hard way. He took a swallow and got a bee in his mouth. He somehow spit it out before it stung. They can eat quite a bit of meat from a hind quarter too. Never had an issue anywhere else.

[CurlyTail]

I can't imagine you will have any bugs in that area

Funny thing that everyone mentions bees. I did get 3 bee stings elk hunting last fall.

[Boatdoc39]

What we have here in the south that aggravates you in camp, crawls in your open drinks and are attracted to blood and meat are called 'yellow jackets'. They don't hurt too bad, but they can make a good horse unload you if you park on top of their nest in the ground. Thanks to everyone for answering my question. I just want to avoid as many unpleasant 'suprises' as possible and have a good time on this expensive trail ride/camping trip we're planning. Who knows? We might even actually stumble up on an elk or two.

[saddlesore]

I have always encountered mosquitoes in ML season, so I would say yes in early bow season. Colorado grows big mosquitoes in the high country.

Lyme disease isn't common, but I had friend that contracted it here in Colorado. Anything in late August to early September, guard against it . Especially that high country sun.

Yellow jackets are commoon too

[Indian Summer]

Where I hunt in MT and WY I've never had a problem with any insects. Devils club is the only plant I run from.

No snakes, alligators, anacondas, crocodiles, hurricanes, or Mardi Gras crazies. I think you'll feel pretty safe up there.

Welcome aboard Boatdoc!