how do you keep the skeeters off

[lentz]

do you guys have any secrets to keep the skeeters off during the first few weeks of the season?
it seems they get threw anything light enoph to ware during those hot days

[deadeye]

I used a Thermacell a couple times last fall.  I worked for me.

[lentz]

i thought about that but i didant know if they gave off any scent or sompthing that spooked the deer

[deadeye]

Yes, they give off scent (to keep the bugs away).  Just assume the deer will smell you and then it doesn't matter what you have along.

[dakids]

Bug spray with 25-40% deet.  Hunt the wind.  The deer can smell your breath as easily as bug spray.

[Joe@deerhunters]

thermacell. bug dope works but the bugs still fly around you.  Thermacell really keeps them away.

[snow]

Thema cell,"earth scent"

[MTCOMMER]

Yep, Thermacell. 

Scent isnt too much of an issue, if you are comfortable and still, a little scent from the thermacell shouldnt spook them - just think - if you didnt have it, you would be moving around, swatting at mosquitos anyways.  WELL WORTH IT!
and Yes, buy earth scent inserts if you are worried about the generic smell.

[HUNTER2]

Thermacell here, earth scent.

[stevejedlenski]

a new smell may make a deer spooky but until its a smell associated with danger they usually dont mind but may be more alert. and like everyone else has said you should be hunting the wind so scent isnt too much an issue.

[lentz]

yes but the wind can switch directions in not even a second or it can swirl

[lentz]

how do they do agenst horse flys?

[Cody Gruchow]

thermocell earth scent here. for early goose hunt to bow hunting i use it. its the best 30 dollars ive ever spent(had to go with the camo for the extra 5 dollars) i havent noticed any difference for the deer, it gives off a small scent but nothing that would really spook them off, i mean ive had them at the base of my tree and they never paid any attention to it. i dont know how well they work against horse flys because i dont have much problem with horse flys in my area for some reason, could be the lack of tall grass or something.