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Health Benefits of Hunting:

Wildlife

Denny
Supporting Member
5,248
191
Ross County, Ohio
7/2/2019 Division of Wildlife

Connecting with Nature

Being in nature declutters the mind. In the woods, there is no rush, no schedule, and no deadlines; nature moves at its own pace. This interaction provides a connection with the land, the wildlife, and our planet.

Getting time to think and relax can relieve stress. Interacting with nature, combined with fresh air and exercise, and the camaraderie of family/friends in the outdoors, all contribute to maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

Pure and simple, nature can:
  • boost the immune system.
  • lower blood pressure.
  • reduce stress.
  • improve mood.
  • increase ability to focus.
  • accelerate recovery from surgery or illness.
  • increase energy level.
  • improve sleep.
Think of nature as a prescription with no negative side effects. (Information from: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html )

Exercise and Practicing Skills

Hunting is usually more than just taking a time out to go hunting. Many hunters actively manage property for wildlife, scout for sign before seasons, target practice, and/or train dogs. All of these things provide an opportunity for physical exercise and movement.

Hunting and exercise are intertwined. With that in mind, it’s not too early to start thinking about getting in shape for fall seasons. If you hunt public property, there are benefits to getting farther from the road and farther from other people. Add a 20-minute walk a few days a week to your routine. After a couple of weeks, toss a backpack weighted down with water bottles over your shoulders to add a little challenge. Try including stairs into your route to help you get ready for hiking up Ohio’s steep, glaciated ridges.

The benefits of exercise are numerous. The heart and lungs will process oxygen more efficiently, which increases your performance and your ability in the field. You’ll find that its easier to climb steep terrain in pursuit of that elusive deer. With regular exercise, the risks for a heart attack are greatly reduced, not just in the field but overall. Make exercise part of your preparation for the upcoming seasons and see how your health, and your hunting, improve.

Fun with Friends

There are many reasons to go hunting, one of which is simply the time spent with others. Hunting is an experience that can form and strengthen friendships, and often the memories made while hunting last as long as the friendships. Sitting in a duck blind alongside someone or helping out with a deer drive are great ways to connect with others and enjoy time with family and friends.

It's always more exciting, and safer, to hunt with a friend. If you don't know anyone else interested in hunting, look up your local conservation clubs, or contact your local wildlife district office to speak to someone who can point you in the right direction: Find a Hunting Buddy or Mentor

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Felt this was worth sharing even if it's nothing new 'TOO' some...
 
I believe that the exposure to fresh air is vital. There is a lot of good to the outdoors; you are doing activity which, alike walking on sand, you are using muscles in different ways than normal when walking through mud or a uneven terrain. Indeed you can reduce stress shed hunting or mushroom scouting. The use of a bow give yours upper body exercise and climbing trees into stands assists with lower body. There are medical benefits from mushrooms that are found in the woods as well. I don't know about inflammation as an inflammation researcher, seems distant to say but possibly. It is also good to simply get away from screens and simply get out and hang with some buds and drink a few (not necessarily healthy but necessary)

There are some hazards such as poisoning, falling out of trees, accidental discharge or contact, blood-borne pathogens, zoonoses from ticks and other animals, animal attacks but these can be easily circumvented with caution and wearing protective gear. We had a patient recently came in with stomach pain after their neighbor gave them some mushrooms they thought were editable and unfortunately they weren't and he had to undergo a hepatic transplant so it is vital you know what you're eating! West Nile and Tick Viruses are a problem but can be avoided. Chronic wasting disease has yet to become an major concern for Ohio but take caution to avoid the nervous tissue and you should be okay. Also cooking meat to at least 165F internal.