N. Minnesota in late May - how buggy?
 

Will be in northern Minnesota the 3rd week in May photographing black bears ... how bad are the dreaded black flies that time of year?

Do we need the head nets and mesh gloves or will DEET be enough?

In looking at the average temps it appears highs in the low 70's and lows in the 40's are possible. Is this warm enough for the blackies to hatch?

Thanks ... hoping to leave the bee-keeper outfit at home :)

Bill

Lived in I Falls for a time and I would bring them just in case, their nasty.

My question would be - has the snow melted - do I need my boots? :)

Åre you going to the sanctuary near Orr? If so, I'd be interested in your opinion afterwards as I'm possibly going up later this summer.

I think the black flies start hatching in May but peak in June. This spring has been cooler with some pretty late snow storms, so I would suspect the hatch will be a bit delayed. I would still bring everything and hope you don't need it all.

four letters--DEET

get off with deet and prepare to stink and still have bites.

Thanks for the replies ... maybe we'll get lucky with the cold weather delaying the hatch a bit, but will take the headnets just in case.

<b>BibE1</b> yes, we'll be at Vince Shute, we have a special deal to get in the week before it opens to the general public. Will probably post something of a report when we return (eventually ... still working on Kenya and Tanzania trips from January and March) or you can email me if you have Q's.

Bill

I'd bring the bee suit.

Although this is the thing I always recommend (and I DO NOT work for this company lol):

http://www.bugshirt.com/diagrams.htm

(The elite edition - it is light weight, fits over your jacket, and folds into a little pouch. I like that it zips down from the top, it accommodates my binoculars so well.)