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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Lone Ranger on June 30, 2011, 09:38:00 PM

Title: thermacell users~
Post by: Lone Ranger on June 30, 2011, 09:38:00 PM
how many do you use?    :knothead:  I got skeeters here that'll carry you off! just curious I haven't used one before, and in the past have chosen to sweat to death by wearing layers to keep the skeeters off me.  I was hoping I could do with a long sleeve T-shirt and light pants this year- maybe a ghilli top if I get around to building one. Where do you put it on your body when your walking in or stalking on the ground? does it even stay on your person or do you have to remove it to use it? how long does it last? is there really no smell to deter the critters when you use one?   any and all info is much appreciated!

L.R.    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: rraming on June 30, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
They smoke a little and SMELL - yes they smell, I have used mine a lot and have no proof either way whether they scare deer off or not. I also have never had a deer under me while it was on - I'm sure someone has but I have never. The strips last like 2-3 hours and the bottle maybe 6 hours. You can get the bottles at walmart - the gals use them in curlers or something. Butane cartridges. They do help with the skeeters though
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: bendbig on June 30, 2011, 10:03:00 PM
Yep they help with skeeters ,flies, gnats ect. I've used mine for several years now.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: ronnyg on June 30, 2011, 10:08:00 PM
Thermacells work great.  I've never used one on the move, but would think they would not do as good like that.  If you have a little breeze they aren't as effective either.  You will probably still have a few lingering fella's around but bottom line well worth the money.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: shortstroke 91 on June 30, 2011, 10:09:00 PM
Worth their weight in gold, have had several deer and hogs downwind and didn't seem to care.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Gun on June 30, 2011, 10:12:00 PM
I haven't used mine for hunting....yet. May have to this year as they are fierce. I think it says on the package the wafers last about 4 hrs. That seems to be my experience. I built a shed one summer and put one in the middle of the floor. Kept them away. I would guess about a 10 ft. radius. I don't think it would work as well attached to you while you walk, wind drift etc. It does smell some.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: BOWMARKS on June 30, 2011, 10:13:00 PM
Been using one for a few years can't say I have seen the smoke or smelled it but I do know it keeps away those little pests and have had the deer around me in use and I hunt on the ground.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: USN_Sam1385 on June 30, 2011, 10:18:00 PM
The ABSOLUTE number ONE product I would reccomend or endorse if I could ONLY choose one product.

They have a faint smell to them. I am actually in love with the smell because it reminds me of those early September mornings where there is no much anticipation in the air that you could cut it with a knife.

However, I have had deer 10 yards away from me with it on and none minded. As far as mosquitos, I have never been bitten with it on.

For carrying it, buy the carrying case that comes with it. It slides into it and fits snugly, and it has a buckle to clip to yourself, to ur stand, etc.

Best $20 you will EVER spend.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: rastaman on June 30, 2011, 10:24:00 PM
i have mine in the carrying case and buckle it to my pack when i am stillhunting. It works great.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Rusty Snuffers on June 30, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
I've used them for the last three years and have had deer walk directly under me with no problems.  My uncle has been on the ground with the Thermacell running and had deer feed on vegetation nearly at arm's length.  I don't go into the woods without mine.

Rusty
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: LimBender on June 30, 2011, 10:41:00 PM
I put them below me and they put off a pretty noticeable smell and light smoke.  I haven't noticed much difference in deer behavior from normal, but sometimes what you don't know hurts.

I don't normally use it for the whole hunt depending on how bad it is and can usually get at least 2 hunts on a cartridge and about 7-8 on the buttane.

In my view, if you are playing the wind anyway, they sure beat getting eaten alive.  Plus, there is a lot less movement without bugs and I can actually enjoy a sit in the early season.

Forgot my one gripe.  You settle in the stand and it is a crisp pin-drop quiet morning and to start the dang thing makes a pretty loud pop. I try to muffle it some.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Buckeye Trad Hunter on June 30, 2011, 10:42:00 PM
I've had mine for several years also and I have to say that I'll never be without one again.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Wary Buck on June 30, 2011, 10:43:00 PM
Absolutely makes the difference between misery and happy hunting in the early seasons (and spring bear too).  I also recommend the little "holster" they sell which has pockets in it for extra butane and repellent mats, plus a latch to attach it to a branch, your pack, your stand, etc.

Early in our deer season, when I'm sneaking slowly to my stand and otherwise would be getting murdered by mosquitoes even on the walk in, I fire up the Thermacell at the rig and attach it to the hanging strap at the top of my day pack.  When I move that slowly, it can and does help keep the bugs at bay even while you're walking.  

Like others have said, best $20-30 you'll ever spend.  I also take mine camping/fishing with my daughters and a huge difference maker.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: wihill on June 30, 2011, 11:56:00 PM
I WILL walk back to the car to get mine if I forget it in the morning.  Best thing for hunting since I found tradbows.

Mine lasts about 6hrs, but I usually run it for about 2 until the swarm calms down or I can get above them.  I leave mine under my seat under my stand.  Works great.  Clothing, wear something light and loose that breaths well that doesn't hug the skin like those fancy compression shirts from UA.

Thermacell is worth every penny.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: critter69 on July 01, 2011, 12:25:00 AM
I bought one could not get the thing to light. I finally got it to light but probably after 50-100 pushes of the button. Then when i tried to show a friend it would not work at all.And he said he had tried one and had problems also.We both returned them.I found out latter that they do not work at higher altitudes.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: USN_Sam1385 on July 01, 2011, 12:44:00 AM
Critter. I thought mine wouldn't light either. This MIGHT have been the problem with urs, as it was with mine:

If you just click the button and don't hold it down AFTER the click, it will not light. It is kind of like a lighter where u have to click AND hold the button to get it to fire up.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: RM81 on July 01, 2011, 09:31:00 AM
Has anyone tried the smaller version?  Thinking about the small one for 3d shoots.  Nevermind.  I read a review and it's not that much smaller.

 (http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/44/44c24254-82b7-44eb-8184-4907e8ba02b0_400.jpg)
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Lone Ranger on July 01, 2011, 09:48:00 AM
wow, looks like this is a must have then~ I think I will take a walk with one of these next week and see how it works out!

L.R.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Rick McGowan on July 01, 2011, 09:53:00 AM
I have used one at night in a swamp, hunting gators from a boat. I set it in the bow and had no mosquitos in rest of the boat while slowly moving. It does have a smell and if I breath much of it, it gives me a sickly feeling, its the exact same feeling I get when I put on a bunch of bug repellent. Which makes sense, its probablhy best not to breath anymore of it than necessary. There have been times when the mosquitos have been so bad that I had to quit hunting or fishing and this is definately the lesser of two evils.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: beetlebailey1977 on July 01, 2011, 10:01:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by USN_Sam1385:
The ABSOLUTE number ONE product I would reccomend or endorse if I could ONLY choose one product.

They have a faint smell to them. I am actually in love with the smell because it reminds me of those early September mornings where there is no much anticipation in the air that you could cut it with a knife.

However, I have had deer 10 yards away from me with it on and none minded. As far as mosquitos, I have never been bitten with it on.

For carrying it, buy the carrying case that comes with it. It slides into it and fits snugly, and it has a buckle to clip to yourself, to ur stand, etc.

Best $20 you will EVER spend.
I second this.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: buckeye_hunter on July 01, 2011, 10:04:00 AM
In Canada the best result I had was burning 2 Thermacells at once. Yes they smoke some and they do have a scent. The smoke will give you a good wind direction though!

A butane cartridge and pad will last you about 8 hours or so on stand. I put them at about butt height or under my seat per the guys urging in camp. Worked great and I had a very comfortable hunt.

Get one and you will be happy. Either that or burn citronella coils. They both work.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Talondale on July 01, 2011, 10:06:00 AM
Works great and I have the holster and even bought the patio lamp version for the back deck.
    (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/aOZwOizCY03lIYJSzL_zFVNDqkyZ8k0i93OZoKHfWcV-kInWg4hAxuSatlv60vdmlb-F6-ugoP2MCm6KJ1ohPlDRHsNSO47m4ApsM_z1EKZIn-NGOVDJML9AW1NfU3aGCwllEnOuaOugFVz6=s90-c)
You can refill the canisters (Google it. -do so at your own risk).
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: graybarkhunter on July 01, 2011, 10:29:00 AM
honestly,(being from mississippi) i believe its as important as bringing your bow|arrows to the woods. we got skeeters down here that can mate a turkey flatfooted! with that being said, why be miserable swatting skeeters the whole time your trying to enjoy yourself bowhunting. i havent had any problem with the scent issue. just hunt the wind like you would any other time you go out. its by far the best thing in my "pouch"
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Buckeye Trad Hunter on July 01, 2011, 10:44:00 AM
There is also a holster for the unit which I suggest you buy also.  It has pockets for an extra butane cartridge and extra pads.  it has a quick buckle strap so you can hook it to your belt or whatever.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Recurve50 LBS on July 01, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
I use mine and find that in "my usage" the strips last longer than 2 hours as stated above. Yes they do give off a tiny odor but while using the Therma Cell last season I had a doe come with in 3 paces of where I was sitting on the ground.I do not hunt from pop up blinds but wear a ghilly suit and natural cover. I attatch my Therma Cell to my quiver using the Therma Cell holster and a cheap caribeaner I found at walmart.Works real well keeping the bugs from draining my blood.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: awbowman on July 01, 2011, 11:45:00 AM
Best thing ever invented in my book.  Only one needed, but light it a few minutes before you REALLY need it.

BTW, get the holster, clip it somewhere close and you are good to go.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: widow sax on July 01, 2011, 12:27:00 PM
They say u can get the butain from another source for in curling irons but were and u can buy the padsby themselves also but were can u get this stuff.    Widow
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Bill Turner on July 01, 2011, 01:28:00 PM
If you have questions after reading the above contact a TG member who attended the recent Bear Quest V. Tom Phillips, Tippit, etc. They should be able to answer all your questions from first hand experience.I guess I'm lucky, mosquites have never been a problem where I hunt in TX or OK. Chiggers yes, mosquitoes no.  :dunno:
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: bayoulongbowman on July 01, 2011, 01:32:00 PM
Hell ya I live in Louisiana!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have several!!!!!!!!!  :thumbsup:    :archer2:
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: team fudd on July 01, 2011, 01:39:00 PM
All good advice,  I took one on spring bear this year and it worked great.  They do make earth scented pads that diminish some of the smell that is present.  The bears did not seem to mind at all and I had them as close as 3 feet. Good Luck!!!
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: bolong on July 01, 2011, 01:51:00 PM
They definitely work. I have not noticed any deer, hogs being spooked. Like LimBender said it makes some noise when you push the button. I think it's an excellent product.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: huntmaster70 on July 01, 2011, 02:04:00 PM
If the skeeters or blackflys are bad & you are out huntin' or fishin' you would pay $40.00 to have one then!
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Hoyt on July 01, 2011, 03:58:00 PM
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/th_termacell.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/termacell.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/th_termacell3.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/termacell3.jpg)

I've got the small one and a regular. The small one I like better as it does pack smaller and lights with cigarette lighter which is quieter to light than than pushing the button which makes a loud snap.

I used them a lot when I lived in Fl. and they do have a smell and don't work 100% when the squeeters are really bad. I've had one hanging from my neck and one at my waist the last yr I was in Fl. and mosquitoes were so bad I was still sucking them down my throat while still hunting...and that was on the hill. However, they're still the best thing going far as mosquitoes go. Never had them even faze yellow flies or no-see-ums.
Title: Re: thermacell users~
Post by: Lone Ranger on July 01, 2011, 10:11:00 PM
dang, yellow flies can be fierce too! almost forgot about them~

I am thinking I will double up like Hoyt said- the small one and the bigger one.


L.R.