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Sportsman Outdoors

Deer hunters are masking up!

Jack Danchak
Posted 12/31/21

It would seem ridiculous to consider deer hunters masking up while handling a deer, but that is the recommendation that researchers are making in response to an Iowa study that found more than 80% of …

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Sportsman Outdoors

Deer hunters are masking up!

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It would seem ridiculous to consider deer hunters masking up while handling a deer, but that is the recommendation that researchers are making in response to an Iowa study that found more than 80% of deer sampled tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

There are also other studies with similar findings, and it’s disconcerting to think the deer we are hunting for could be carrying the virus. But it’s no reason to give up deer hunting.

More research is needed, but apparently studies have determined that an infected deer doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms of the virus, so there is no way to tell if the buck you just harvested with a nice set of antlers might be carrying the COVID virus.

From the Iowa study it was said there is no evidence of animals, including deer, spreading the virus to humans. That is why there is no reason to be alarmed, yet it’s the very reason why so many hunters are concerned and skeptical.

Many people believe there is merit to what the researcher’s studies have found. The problem some have with the studies, is when a serious topic, like this is, is undermined by a silly recommendation to wear a mask while field-dressing your deer.

Other questions arise, if it’s recommended to mask up while gutting your deer, when does it become safe to take the mask off? Should we cover our faces anytime we’re within 6 feet of a deer, dead or alive? Should we cover up at the processing facility or anytime we open our freezer to get some deer meat? If a mask should be worn while field-dressing, should it stay on while dragging the deer out of the woods?

Every hunter should pay attention to the study findings, even if they have doubts. Remember these studies are being done to benefit hunters and the public. Go hunting, be cautious, and enjoy this sport that we love so much.

Mepps Wants Squirrel Tails!

The Mepps lure-company is seeking to purchase tails from successful squirrel hunters. Mepps will buy fox, black, gray and red squirrel tails and will pay up to 26 cents each for tails, depending on quality and quantity. Plus, the cash value is doubled if the tails are traded for Mepps lures. All Mepps asks for is the squirrel tail with the bone left in. The rest of the squirrel is for hunters to keep and harvest.

The company needs squirrel tails to create hand-tied, dressed hooks for their lures. They have been recycling squirrel tails for over half-a-century and have recycled nearly 8 million tails since the mid-1960’s.

For more information go to: mepps.com/squirrel-tail/.

Happy New Year!

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