Injuries are, unfortunately, a part of hunting. They can be prepared for, often treated, and sometimes even prevented, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, injuries are unavoidable for one reason or another. Hiking, hunting, trekking the wilderness, it’s all done with the knowledge that we can somehow be hurt. We’re at the mercy of the environment, the weather, other creatures and sometimes, other hunters.

5 Injuries experienced by hunters

It’s a hazard of the fun and occupation. But what are the most common injuries hunters encounter? Knowing what they are can make you more prepared for the possibility that you may find yourself very hurt while chasing your past time. Having a first aid kit, checking your gear, making sure you’re using trails. All of these can be the difference between fun and tragedy while you’re out hunting.

Falls

The most common injury when it comes to hunting and hiking is, without a doubt, slips and falls. The ground can be unpredictable, slippery, dangerous. Even while not at great heights, you can still be injured from a small fall, even a trip over a wayward tree root. Falls from great heights or falls from unsure feet can both result in broken bones, dislocations, lacerations, or something far worse depending on how it goes. This is why sturdy, well fitting shoes are important, as well as a vigilant eye.

A twisted ankle, a torn muscle, broken toes. Any of those can result from even a small fall. If you’re hunting in a more treacherous area with higher falls, cliffs, or spots that require some climbing, then you’re going to run the risk of even scarier, more serious injuries and trauma. Keep a sharp and make sure your gear is suited for the terrain you’re encountering.

Tree Stands

While this technically falls under the umbrella term of “falls” this one is so common and dangerous that it deserves its own spot on the list. Tree stands are a hazardous way to gain a vantage point over the game while out hunting. When secured right, they can do wonders for your shot and the trophies you bring home. But when they’re not, it can spell disaster for a hunter.

More than just broken bones and cuts, falls like this can result in real trauma. Head injuries are among the most dangerous and concerning injuries seen in ERs and falls from ill-secured tree stands are fodder for brain damage or worse.

ATV

These are very serious accidents that, despite the lower speeds and smaller vehicles, can be as damaging to the body as any car accidents. ATVs are a popular method of transportation through the wilderness while you’re out on a hunt, and especially popular among younger outdoorsman. But that also makes them highly dangerous when you factor in the possibility of collisions, flipping over, or even tumbles off of unsteady terrain. These accidents almost always result in serious injuries and trauma for those who don’t wear protective gear and drive defensively. Further, innocent bystanders who happened to be caught in the path of an ATV accident are also at risk for very serious or fatal injuries.

These accidents almost always result in serious injuries and trauma for those who don’t wear protective gear and drive defensively. Further, innocent bystanders who happened to be caught in the path of an ATV accident are also at risk for very serious or fatal injuries.

The best way to avoid this is to make sure you’re never using your ATV in heavily wooded areas, even if you plan on moving across long stretches of land. You can also shorten your traveling distance and walk instead of needing a motorized vehicle to get you there. You’ll also always want to make sure you’re staying on the trail, no matter where you are, and that it is a trail freely accessible for ATVs and not pedestrians.

Misfires

The most obvious danger is the possibility of accidental shootings. There’s a reason you were bright orange to make yourself known. Hunting requires concentration and a lot of observation. A bored or trigger happy hunter might prematurely pull on a shot, not realizing that what they’re aiming at is another hunter and not

A bored or trigger happy hunter might prematurely pull on a shot, not realizing that what they’re aiming at is another hunter. There’s also the danger of misfiring weapons from mishandling or product faults. These injuries are always serious and can often result in highly damaging injuries that can last months or years.

Because of the essential nature of firearms to hunting, it makes this injury one of the most prevalent across the years. Properly checking, loading, and storing gear is a key to preventing accidental injuries from misfires or other faults that can rise from weapons.

Fires

If you’re camping, there’s a 99% chance you’re going to be using a fire. But fire safety is no joke and something that needs to be taken seriously. Campfires have resulted in fully fledged forest fires before. And on a microscale, burns can be very dangerous, even small ones.

Burns dehydrate your skin, it doesn’t take much to cause problems across your body and not just the burn site. Burns are also highly painful and can result in infections and scarring if not treated properly.

Fires can be hard to control once they’re set free, so the key is keeping them contained properly and educating yourself on what to do in the event that a flame is getting a little too out of hand. Ensuring you’re using a regulated fire burning area, have water on hand, and are not leaving any open flame unattended are the best ways to cut down on the possibility of injury or forest damage from fires.

Conclusion

Injuries are serious and real. There’s no injury too small and nothing worth ignoring. Injuring yourself while hunting, especially if you’re alone, can have disastrous consequences if you don’t take it seriously and treat it correctly and as quickly as possible. These injuries hunters encounter only scratch the surface of all the hazards waiting.

Hunting is fun, and spending time with your family and friends can be a great escape from the grind of work and school. But you can’t let that distract you from the dangers that lurk. Hunting and hiking are serious businesses and need to be respected as such.

Always have a first aid kit and method of communication ready before you head out on your next hunt.