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Hunting and Outdoors

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 15: Four Essential Items for Spring Hunting

Just because the weather is warming up, does not mean hunting season is completely over. Spring hunting seasons include ground hog, turkey, bear, alligator and goose. During spring, hunters deal with unpredictable weather, rain, warmer temperatures, longer days and more sun. When spring hunting, you must adjust a gear to stay comfortable and avoid sunburns and heat-related illnesses. The following are four essential items for the spring hunter.

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Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 14: Pesky Mosquitoes, Scorpions, Bees and Other Critters that Bite and Sting

Spring and summer brings out the bugs. Try having a Fourth of July barbeque without mosquitoes and flies. Camping, hiking, hunting and even a picnic in the park can result in bee stings, ticks or a chigger attack. Though some areas of the United States have more problems with fire ants or scorpions than other areas, I have identified six typical stinging and biting spring and summer insects, how to prevent them, as well as how to treat their bites and stings.

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Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 11: Surviving Seasonal Allergies

ACHOO! Oh man, I feel ya. Almost nothing is more miserable than a seasonal allergy attack. I usually feel it during fall, but I know many of you get spring allergies, as well. Wearing contacts, mowing the lawn, going to the park or sitting quietly waiting for that spring gobbler? Forget about it. Many people are also allergic to animal dander, dust and mold. Many choose to treat allergy symptoms with prescriptions or over the counter antihistamines and nasal decongestants, while some with severe cases consider allergy shots. You can control and alleviate symptoms by avoiding exposure and treating allergies with home and natural remedies.

Picture shows a pitched tent and picnic table by the lake.

Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 10: Gearing up for Spring Camping

If you are like me, at some point it just gets too dang hot to tent camp in the summer. Spring weather in North Texas is optimal for camping—nice, warm and sunny during the day, with temperatures dropping in the night for a cool and comfortable sleeping environment. Plan your trips now before the heat turns sweltering. To get you ready, I have complied Cheaper Than Dirt’s! top six camping posts.

Picture shows a close-up of an American black bear's face in the water.

Camping & Survival

30 Days of Preparing for Spring Storms and the Stinging Heat of Summer Day 8: Coming Out! Hungry Bears Stop Hibernating

As we start going outside more, so do North America’s black bears. When the weather warms up, black bears wake up from their deep sleep very hungry! After all, it has been a few months since they have eaten. When bears first come out of the den in early spring, there is not as much natural food for them as late spring, summer and fall, so they scrounge for it anywhere. Bears can smell food from up to five miles away! Bears are also very curious, but also naturally wary of humans. Attacks on humans are rare. However, experts report that bear and human encounters are on the rise. Do you know what to do if you encounter a bear?

Camping & Survival

It’s Not Prepping… It’s Practical. A Single Woman’s Guide to Why You Should Prep

People panic when the weather gets bad and buy up all the staples. However, if you anticipate what could happen, you would not have to scramble to get the essentials. For those of you already anticipating the possibilities and are ready for what could happen, do not mind bugging in for a few days because of bad weather. Even if you do lose power, you have enough fuel and food to keep you comfortable. Sounds practical right? If you think hard enough about it, I’m sure you can come with a few benefits of storing some food, water and other essential “survival” gear and not because zombies are coming. Stocking up on supplies might make you feel a little “crazy cat lady,” but don’t worry; here is a list of 15 really good reasons to be practical.