Regarding recoil, I usually concentrate so much on the target that I really do not notice either recoil or noise. I DO notice the cloud of gray smoke hiding the target!
Hanshi, I too am interested in your theory. I was a biologist working with wetlands and wildlife for many, many years, and have noticed rises and falls in the tick population, as with animal populations. Never considered any correlation between the two.
I used to have an old sock with powdered sulfur in it, and just tapped it against my lower legs and feet. Once or twice I would find a tick on me, but it was a rare occurrence. Here in Ohio, I may have to start using that old sock again, as last year I did find a couple trying to sample my blood.