ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

HUNTER SAFETY INCLUDES GOOD PHYSICAL HEALTH
 

AUBURN, NOV. 12---Hunter safety includes the need for hunters to be physically prepared for the demands of hunting. The physical demands of the hunt can mean out-of-shape hunters can hurt themselves and possibly others, if they're not careful.

Nonshooting accidents are most common in the woods. Deer stands cause the most injuries. Most deer hunters in Alabama and the Southeast hunt out of stands. Portable deer stands are very popular.

"Portable deer stands are to blame for many injuries because hunters either install them incorrectly or don't s inspect them closely enough for wear and broken parts. They fall off the stand because they fail to wear the safety harness that goes around the tree," says Lee Stribling, Extension wildlife specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. "Falls from tree stands can result in paralysis or death."

Hunters should exercise and strengthen their muscles as well as their shooting skills when preparing for hunting season. Advance muscle strengthening will help increase a person's ability to do the actual physical labor involved in hunting, says Dr. Robert Keith, Extension nutritionist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

If you don't exercise regularly, don't jump into a rigorous exercise program. Start slow and build up to the level you want to reach. "Start walking regularly on terrain similar to what you will experience in the woods. Gradually increase the distance until you reach the amount of exercise expected in the hunt," says Keith. This activity will help you determine whether you are in good enough shape for the hunt.

Flexibility is just as important as strength in preventing injuries. Flexibility requires stretching to keep a full range of mobility in all joints and muscles.

 Many hunters sit for hours in tree stands waiting for deer. Sitting in one position for long periods of time is not good for the body. It makes you vulnerable to injury because joints get stiff and circulation may not be good. If you plan to sit for long periods of time, the muscles in the lower back and thighs need to be in good shape, says Keith. Movement prevents joint strains by maintaining lubrication and improving circulation.

There are many other ways hunters can get injured while in the woods. All- terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents are common during hunting season. Many of these accidents can be prevented if hunters, especially young people, go through some ATV training before going into the woods. Knives and other hunting gear also can cause injuries. Hunters hurry or get clumsy because of cold hands and often injure themselves with these tools. Stribling cautions hunters to slow down and be careful to avoid cuts and other injuries.

Hypothermia can also be a big problem in the winter. It doesn't have to be very cold for a wet hunter to experience hypothermia. Hunters should dress in warm layers to prevent getting too cold. They might also consider wearing gloves, a hat, earmuffs and a water-resistant poncho for extra protection.

Both Stribling and Keith agree that hunters can be better prepared for hunting season by starting a regular exercise program to build strength and endurance, by checking out all equipment used while hunting and by wearing the proper clothing to hunt.

SOURCE: DR. LEE STRIBLING, Extension Wildlife Scientist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-9247 and DR BOB KEITH, Extension Nutritionist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3273