Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a novice hunter, there’s nothing better than immersing yourself in nature and enjoying all of the benefits it has to offer.
Nature is one of life’s best stress reducers. It’s great for your overall mental health, can boost your mood, give you energy, and even strengthen your immune system. We probably don’t have to tell you all of that – just think of how great you feel when you’re outside.
Hunting itself can be quite relaxing. While you have a goal in mind, it usually gives you a lot of time to be alone with your thoughts, listening to the natural sounds around you. But, that doesn’t mean you should be lax about your safety. Let’s look at a few safety tips that will keep you from becoming complacent, so you can enjoy your time outdoors without having to worry about getting injured.
Use Tech to Your Advantage
When you’re hunting or hiking, chances are you aren’t skirting the edge of the woods. You know you’ve got to go deep into the thick of things to set up and find the right spot. But, no matter how familiar you are with a particular wooded area, it’s easy to get lost. Plus, you never know when bad weather might put a damper on your plans and make it harder to find your way home.
One way to stay safer when you’re on your own in nature is to use technology. It might seem a little ironic to rely on tech in the middle of the woods, but it can be a big help.
Consider wearing a smartwatch that will allow you to contact someone if you get in trouble. You can also use your watch as a compass, or even pull up a map that can help you get home.
Investing in a wearable camera can also be beneficial. Not only will it allow you to capture great photos of your surroundings (and whatever you catch!) without having to pull out a phone, but checking out the footage can help to jog your memory and send you back on the trail you came from.
Know the Right Equipment to Bring
Even if you’re not into high-tech equipment, every outdoorsman knows how important it is to be prepared and to pack the right things. Some of the essentials include:
- Broken-in boots
- A knife
- Bipod/monopod
- Backup weapons
- Hatchet/saw
- First aid kit
While those things are all important and practical, don’t hold back on safety equipment, either. If you’re hunting early in the morning when it’s still dark, having a flashlight or headlamp as you walk through the woods is necessary.
You should also wear an orange vest, at least when you’re moving so that other hunters or hikers can easily see you. If you live in a small town, some of the perks likely are fairly private/secluded natural spaces. Even if these spaces aren’t well-traveled by your fellow locals, you never know who else might be out there, waiting for their first buck of the season.
Take Care of Yourself
While being outdoors in any capacity is good for your health, it’s still important to take care of yourself when you’re outside for long periods of time – especially if you’re doing something active like hiking. Some general safety tips to keep in mind include:
- Staying on familiar trails
- Knowing your limits
- Staying hydrated
- Having a backup plan
- Wearing insect repellent
- Applying sunscreen
You might know everything there is to know about the great outdoors. But, good safety practices start by staying healthy and alert. So, whether you’re hunting, hiking, camping, or just enjoying all Mother Nature has to offer, keep these safety tips in mind to keep enjoying your outdoor lifestyle for years to come.
