Planning backward. The process of beginning with the end in mind and then determining the means needed to achieve your desired outcome. We can use this method for trip planning, to hit new personal records, or, in the context of this blog, to avoid common accidents and improve your hunting safety. Backwards planning works well for reaching positive ends or preventing the consequences commonly found in a given activity. Recently, while hunting in North Carolina with my friend Mike from the Apogee Triangle School, we discussed the most common accidents/injuries associated with that activity. We discussed how taking inventory of the things that could ruin your trip is the best way to prevent it. What follows is our take on known problems and some common-sense solutions to keep them from happening to you.
Accidental Shooting
We can be the safest firearm handlers, but that doesn't help us if the other person in the field isn't. One of the most common ways accidental shootings happen is when people are mistaken for game. Sitting or waiting around to see something makes you antsy, and it's not uncommon for hunters to shoot at sounds before visually confirming what they are shooting at. Blaze/hunter's orange is a no-brainer, and this should be worn visibly as an outer garment and a hat. A bright orange panel can be strapped to the outside if you carry a backpack. If you believe you are the only person hunting a private plot of woods, keep in mind that plenty of people don't respect property lines or game laws. You can't assume you are alone. For this reason, carry a blowout kit and a tourniquet.
Eye Injuries
One of the most painful injuries I've ever sustained was a corneal abrasion. It was debilitating, and it happened quickly with the snap of a tree branch. You have to be careful of your eyes when bushwhacking. Your hunting buddies should alert you if a branch is being held under tension as you follow them through the woods. You can wear a brimmed hat that will protect your face as you duck under. Shooting glasses may look ridiculous, but you will be protected. If you do sustain an eye injury, you can keep pressure off your eye with a plastic eye shield or even a paper cup cut out to fit around your eye orbit.
Digestive Problems
When I go hunting, I always eat well. I know many hunting camps where food is the main attraction because the hunting is terrible. Hydration while hunting is also very important. Constipation is not funny when it happens to you, but it is avoidable if you keep hydrated and mix up your steady red-meat diet with good fiber. Watch for cross-contamination of your food and practice careful handling when you prepare food in the backcountry. Make sure to wash your hands, clean surfaces, and stress being sanitary when in an extended camp setup with many hands digging into the same bags of food.
Falls from Tree Stands, Heights and While Walking
On the East Coast, tree stand hunting is a proven way of hunting deer. Out west, hiking into the hills will get you on game better than hanging close to the road. Falls from tree stands and heights can result in bone breaks and death. A common reason for tree stand accidents is falling asleep. A simple solution is to get rest the night before. Another common reason for falling from a tree stand is a hunter's legs fall asleep. It makes sense to stretch your legs and make sure they are fully functioning before you try to climb down. A full-body harness is recommended in case you fall, and you should make sure your harness will keep you upright if knocked unconscious. You must be vigilant where you step, and you should employ trekking poles for added balance and stability to avoid falls on uneven terrain. Recently, I've been testing a Spartan Precision Tripod with legs that can be used as trekking poles to cut some weight you carry into the field. It is a solid option.
Cardiovascular Issues
Nationwide, heart disease is the number one killer in this country. Hunting can be taxing on the body. With hauling gear into the woods and dragging deer out of the woods, you better be in shape. You need to see your doctor regularly and have your blood drawn to avoid heart issues. You should take care to eat a healthy diet and live a healthy life with regular exercise. Hunting season is not just the time when you are allowed to shoot game; it requires year-round prep. You can get in physical shape all year and be ready for when you need to strap on that rucksack and carry your rifle or bow into the field. You can limit the amount of alcohol you drink, the cigarettes you smoke, and the saturated fat in your diet. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you. Seek out good friends who will help you drag or pack out a deer. Don't go at it alone.
Accidental Cuts
One of the greatest joys of any hunt is the butchering process. I enjoy learning from others and sharing my tips and tricks to process game in the field and on the cutting board. Our hunt could have gone flawlessly, but in the moments it takes to unsheath a knife and start cutting our game, the trip can be ruined with careless blade handling. Depending on the time of year, our field dressing may be done in low light to no light conditions, making a headlamp an excellent idea. Cutting hide may dull your blade, causing it to become more dangerous as it becomes less sharp. Exchange-a-blade knives are a great solution, but many hunters have cut their fingers while replacing blades. A better solution is to carry multiple knives or change your blade slowly and carefully, covering the blade edge with something like a strip of duct tape first. Other accidental cuts come from inside the animal as the hunter gets nicked by shards of bone or even broken-off broadheads from bad shots. An excellent tip to remember is to always lead with the steel of your knife instead of your finger. Steel on steel makes a sound that can alert you to being cautious.
From a mindset perspective, it is essential to prepare for these injuries to ensure success. These tips will improve your hunting safety and reduce the chance of injury. Make sure you backward plan to create the perfect day of hunting just as much as you prepare for any other common or worst-case scenarios.