Your After-Hunt Routine Matters: How to Clean Up, Protect Your Gear, and Keep Bugs Away

A good hunt does not end when you step out of the woods or climb out of the blind. What you do afterward can make a big difference in how well your gear lasts, how comfortable you feel the next day, and how prepared you are for your next trip into the marsh or the timber. An after-hunt routine also plays a role in avoiding lingering mosquito and tick problems that can follow you home long after the hunt is over.

Many hunters focus heavily on preparation, but overlook what happens afterward. Clothes go into a corner, waders stay in the truck bed, and boots get kicked off at the door. In Louisiana’s warm, humid climate, that creates perfect conditions for bugs to stick around longer than anyone wants.

When you get home, the first step is simply paying attention to your clothing. Long sits in the woods, especially in thick cover, can expose you to ticks even when you don’t see any. Before tossing anything into the laundry basket, a quick inspection can prevent unwanted hitchhikers from making their way indoors. Once checked, washing your hunting clothes in warm water helps remove sweat, scent, and debris from the day.

Gear deserves the same care. Marsh hunts leave behind moisture, mud, grass, and sometimes mosquitoes tucked into folds of fabric. Waders should be rinsed and allowed to dry completely. Boots benefit from a quick wipe-down, especially around seams where moisture hides. Backpacks and blind bags collect a surprising amount of debris over a season. Emptying them out after each hunt keeps bugs and mildew from settling in.

Your skin and hair also hold onto more than you notice. A full wash after a hunt clears away bug residue, sweat, and any lingering tick nymphs you may have missed during a visual check. The combination of warm water and soap is often enough to remove what you couldn’t see outdoors.

One more smart habit is refreshing your insect protection before your next hunt. Even during late season, Louisiana’s unpredictable weather means mosquitoes and ticks can remain active around swamps, ridges, and flooded timber. Keeping your repellent stored with your gear ensures you never walk out the door without it.

HUNT Refined Repellent fits well into this routine. It is DEET-free and scent-free, so it won’t leave strong odors on clothing after use, and it won’t harm plastics, synthetics, or firearm finishes. With long-lasting picaridin protection, it helps prevent the kind of bites that make you uncomfortable long after a successful day in the woods.

A simple post-hunt routine keeps your gear in better shape, protects your home from accidental bug exposure, and gets you ready for your next hunt. It brings the same level of care and discipline to the end of the day that you give to the beginning.

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