It's August and that means flies. Horse, deer and what I call stable fly's can be a bit of a pain. There is the old flypaper on top the hat trick which the chainsaw bunch in the U.P. of Michigan swear by and if I go the the Q again in August I will probably employ.

But there is another trick that I use if I get one especially determined marauder. If you notice when you shoo them away they will typically circle quickly about you, usually over your head. I have taken to using my paddle and swishing it rapidly back and forth in one place over my head and letting the fly run into it. Bingo, bye bye Mr. fly. Now, I have an ultralight paddle so it is pretty easy to do but I have also done it with my hat.

Another trick that I use is with big bad horsefly's. This takes a little courage (at least the first time) and some timing. If you notice that when they land and you go to swat they are gone before you can get there. My advice is to do nothing. Let him crawl around for a couple of seconds while he is deciding the best place to stick you. While he's doing that you slowly get ready........When he finds his spot he will tilt his body on an downward angle (he will stop and tilt) getting ready to take the plunge. NOW is your time. SWAT and he's dead. Works every time. I guess they can't fly in this position or something....anyway give it a try and don't come crying :'( to me if you waited to long. ;D