Be aware of Lyme disease, but do not be so concerned that you cannot enjoy the outdoors. The risk of developing the illness is minimal in Michigan and even if infection occurs the disease can be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics.

There is very little risk of hunters contracting Lyme disease when pursuing game. This is because hunters are in the woods from October through March when the nymphal stage of the tick is inactive. Even though the adult stage of the tick is active in the fall (when temperatures are above 40º F), the heavier clothing that hunters wear makes it difficult for ticks to find and attach to bare skin. In addition, the risk of picking up ticks from game animals is insignificant compared with that from the environment (meadows, brushland or woods).