I’m Allergic to Deer

Seriously? After all these years of hunting, you would think that I would have known by now. Apparently, field dressing a deer was never enough to really get my allergies going but working with them is terrible. Just my luck, I’m allergic to deer!

After my first trapping experience, my nose was stuffy and runny. I guess the effects of adrenaline had to subside before the symptoms set in. I didn’t think much of it while we were standing around talking. Other people were sniffling too. Perhaps it was from the cold weather sprint that we enjoyed a little while ago. On the way home, my nose stopped up and my chest got a little wheezy. I was still in the mood for a beer until I got home. Then, all I wanted was my inhaler. A couple whacks of albuterol and a hot shower subdued my allergies just enough to get some sleep.

I decided to take an allergy pill for the next trapping night. Luckily, my role  was to collect data this time. Therefore, I wasn’t supposed to be on a deer. As a precaution, I kept my inhaler on me. Well, my role as data collector didn’t last long because I had to help another crew member with their unruly animal. The ordeal was plenty to get my allergies activated and soon my chest got tight. Again, my inhaler bailed me out but I knew that I couldn’t be sucking down albuterol for three more months.

Something had to change. I considered using a respirator. However, I don’t know how I would sprint to the net or tackle a deer while wearing one. Airflow is obviously restricted when wearing these devices and they are bulky. Searching for alternatives, I discovered a mask that is marketed for athletes preforming in polluted urban areas. Why not give it a try?

A couple trapping nights later, I’m happy to report that it works! I tackled my first deer the other day (more on that later) without respiratory issues. I’m glad that I found a relatively simple solution to a problem that could have ended my deer trapping season. For the most part, the mask is comfortable and I have no trouble with a short sprint to the net. Besides, I look like a badass when trapping. My crew members said the I look like Bane from Batman. Those poor deer when they see me coming!