JustinCase, yes, either when we were hiking along the AT, or spring squirrel hunting. My wife and I had a few ticks on one of our trips - we didn't soak ourselves with DEET. She's a pale-skinned blonde so they are easier to see on her. I'm a dark-haired, darker skinned (half-Asian, part AmerInd - look almost Latino or Middle Eastern) so the buggers are hard to spot. We're pretty sure it was either due to one I found nearly a week later. Problem is it's not the big adult tick species that get you, but the smaller nymph stage of deer ticks, which are tiny.
Never had the bullseye (Erythema migrans) rash that is a common sign. Did have increasing joint pain and intense headaches in the weeks that followed, so went to doctor. I'm one of those guys that doesn't go to the doctor, but I know several folks that have serious issues with Lyme, so did NOT play around.
I had a woman that worked for me with Lyme's. She had some joint issues, but the bigger issue was neurological. She had odd tingling, and would suddenly break down crying. She hated the latter - being a woman in IT is hard enough already without seeming to be high strung (which she is not). My ex's cousin's husband had it, never got treated, and now has to be on meds since he went from a guy that's never angry to super mood swings.
All that said, I would not avoid the woods. Just cover clothes with permethrin (keep it away from cats - safe when dry) and cover yourself with DEET. Don't rely on the 100% DEET - get the Utrathon stuff that lasts longer. Reapply often, esp if hiking (but not too often with children). Keep a bottle and wipes in your car, so if you forgot the spray like me, you don't have to turn around - or go hiking/hunting unprotected.
I'm going hiking this weekend.
