Your Body Almanac

Hunting

Gunfire, tree stands, cold dawns and heavy hauls out of the woods.

Hunting gets you out walking in the woods and fields, often in cold weather. Its main body costs are less obvious than firearm accidents. Gunfire damages hearing, falls from tree stands cause serious injuries, and lead from ammunition can get into your body.

01

Hearing loss from gunfire

A single gunshot can be loud enough to permanently damage hearing. Hunters and target shooters often have hearing loss worse in the ear nearest the muzzle.

SourcesNoise-induced hearing loss (NIDCD)
Protect your hearing from loud noiseAs neededWear earplugs or earmuffs around loud noise, turn the volume down and step away when you can. Get your hearing checkedYearlyAsk about a hearing test at your yearly checkup, especially if you work around noise or notice signs of hearing loss.
02

Falls from tree stands

Falls from elevated stands are a leading cause of serious hunting injuries, including broken bones and spinal injuries. Many happen while climbing in or out of the stand. Wear a full-body harness connected to the tree from the moment you leave the ground until you're back down.

SourcesMedically attended tree stand fall injuries among Wisconsin deer hunters (PMC)
Work safely at heightAs neededSet up ladders and raised platforms carefully so a slip doesn't become a fall.
03

Lead exposure from ammunition

Firing lead bullets releases lead dust, especially at indoor ranges, and handling ammunition and cleaning guns puts lead on your hands. Wash your hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking after shooting, and change clothes before you get home. Eating game shot with lead can also add to your exposure. Pregnant people and children should avoid eating game shot with lead.

SourcesPreventing lead poisoning and hearing loss at indoor firing ranges (NIOSH)Lead poisoning (MedlinePlus)Hunting with lead: association between blood lead levels and wild game consumption (Iqbal et al., 2009, PubMed)
Wash off lead after shootingAs neededWash your hands and face and change clothes after shooting or handling ammunition, so lead dust stays off your food and out of your home.
06

Ticks in fields and woods

Hunting seasons overlap with times when ticks are still active, and hunters spend hours in brush and leaf litter.

SourcesPreventing tick bites (CDC)
Check for ticksAs neededAfter time in grass or woods, check your whole body, shower within two hours and dry your clothes on high heat. Use insect repellentAs neededUse an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin when mosquitoes or ticks are around.

When to see a professional

Get emergency care after any fall from a stand, especially with back or neck pain or numbness. Get emergency help for chest pain or unusual shortness of breath while dragging game. See a doctor for ringing in your ears that lasts, or ask about a blood lead test if you shoot often at indoor ranges.