Southwest Louisiana Startup Launches Groundbreaking Repellent

Exciting News! Southwest Louisiana has a new export! 

HUNT Tech, LLC announced its innovative insect repellent is now available to consumers. HUNT Refined Repellent is scent and DEET-free and available through the company’s website, https://huntrepellent.com, and a growing list of retail locations.

What began as a mission to help hunters stay protected without scent has evolved into a breakthrough formula that is EPA-approved and among the longest-lasting options currently available. The HUNT Refined lotion offers 14 hours of protection. Its spray delivers protection for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for sportsmen, workers, families, and anyone spending time outdoors in mosquito-prone regions.

"Louisiana has some of the toughest mosquito conditions in the country," said Gabriel Fontenot, founder and CEO of HUNT Tech. "We knew if we could build a repellent that works here, it would work anywhere."

For the last two years, HUNT has worked on developing its technology, its team, and the company’s go-to-market strategy out of The Business Incubator of Southwest Louisiana, located in the Henning Seed Center at McNeese State University. The team includes co-founder Burns Mulhearn and General Manager Jake Armand. Jagger Morvant and Kaden Marshall were also members of the launch team.

"There is so much work that goes into launching a new company. Gabe and the entire HUNT team are to be congratulated on this significant milestone," said Paul Moses, VP of Economic Development for the SWLA Economic Development Alliance and the incubator director. "It's one thing to have an idea. It's another thing to bring your idea to full commercialization, and we couldn't be happier for them."

While HUNT’s leadership team will continue working out of the Henning Seed Center, it is setting up its packaging and distribution facility in nearby Elton, Louisiana, Fontenot’s hometown in Jeff Davis Parish. "Our roots are right here in Lake Charles," added Fontenot. "We're proud to build this product in Louisiana, hire local, and grow with the community that helped us get started."

“We’re proud that HUNT Tech sees long-term potential in Jeff Davis Parish, and we stand ready to support their growth as they bring new jobs and cutting-edge products to market,” said Kendal Henry, Chair of the Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development Commission.

“Seeing a business grow out of the incubator and into one of our rural communities highlights just how valuable and impactful our regional collaboration truly is,” said Cesilee Oliver, Director of Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development.

“We all know this product is needed here for sure,” said Ronnie Petree, current member and past chair of the commission. “Elton is my hometown, and I am thankful HUNT will be creating outstanding new jobs here in the parish”

Moses added, “While it’s a bad day for bugs, it’s a great day for Southwest Louisiana. This is a great example of how start-ups can have a tremendous economic impact on entire regions.”

ABOUT HUNT TECH, LLC

HUNT Tech is a Southwest Louisiana-based startup focused on outdoor innovation, with a mission to deliver clean, powerful protection without compromise. Its first product, HUNT Refined Repellent, is a field-tested, science-backed solution made for the most demanding environments.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS INCUBATOR OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

Located in the Henning Seed Center at McNeese State in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the incubator provides business coaching and lower-cost professional office and business development space. The business incubator and its partners, like the Southwest Louisiana Small Business Development Center, help the region’s entrepreneurs validate and grow their business ideas, enabling them to scale more effectively and add high-value jobs to the local economy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.huntrepellent.com or contact info@huntrepellent.com for more information, product samples, or interview opportunities.