I hate using repellants anytime, especially when I'm pretty sure a deer might smell it. But, I can't hunt with bugs biting me either. But what I hate most of all is sitting on the couch during deer season. The thermocel worked well for me during this past turkey season and on a few fishing trips this summer. So, I'll be using it in a few weeks. The barely audible hissing sound might spook deer, I don't know. But, it's better than swatting bugs or sitting on the couch.