Bill Heavey

Editor's Note: "The Quicksand," a column by Bill Heavey, was originally published in the April-May 2018 issue of Field & Stream. We've decided to republish it on the site after receiving a note this week from a reader who wanted to share the story with his son, who, he said, is going through a rough patch. We hope the story helps. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please know that resources for support are always available.

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The Hunter’s Guide to Ticks—the Nastiest, Most Disgusting Bloodsuckers in the Woods _We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more › _ It’s a good time to be a blood-sucking parasite, and not just as a member of the U.S. Congress. Between 2004 and 2016, reports of tick-borne diseases more than doubled in the U.S., a trend that experts say continues. Ticks are now the number one vector-borne cause of disease in this country.