Coughing in the stand...What do you do?
#1
Coughing in the stand...What do you do?
I have pretty frequent, mild hay fever-like allergies that keep me in phlegm much of the time, including in the Fall and winter, when I am in the tree stand and makes me need to cough. Cold weather makes it worse, for whatever reason. I have tried sucking on Ricola honey-herb lozenges, which works for a while. But, inevitably, I have to cough a few times during the day in the stand. By the point at which I have to cough, it is usually so loud that I feel like the “gig is up” and every animal within a mile knows exactly where I am and will avoid the immediate vicinity like the plague. I try to just “suck it up” and not cough, but then, eventually the phlegm in my chest starts making wheezing sounds to the point where it would give me away. I use the “Cough Muffler”, but I don’t think it works well.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
#5
I also cough into the bend of my arm, into what ever clothing I have on, which muffles it pretty well, but I also beleive that if the animal isn't looking at you and sees your movement, no harm has been done. All kinds of noises in the woods, often I can't tell what made the noise, deer are the same. They may look in the direction of the noise, but rarely will leave the area just because of a strange noise.
#6
It may depend on the deer in question, but last year I had a huge buck bed down about 23 yards away from me for 2 hours. Had to cough the whole time, to the point tears were rolling down my cheeks. When he finally got up, I was waiting for him to move out from behind some branches and I finally coughed. He was gone in a flash. Didn't stop for a second to check out what made the sound or anything. Just ran off immediately.
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I think I have a drug allergy that may prevent me from taking delsym. Any other suggestions?
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I think I have a drug allergy that may prevent me from taking delsym. Any other suggestions?
#8
#10
Hmmm...this cough silencer sounds interesting. I may try to get one before I head to the mountains tomorrow evening. CNY Guy, you said you needed to practice before it worked for you? What's the secret? Or, alternatively, what's tricky about using it?