Fitness the key to preventing injuries this Roar
NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is encouraging hunters to get fit before the Roar this year to reduce severe injuries that could last well beyond the season.
A recent survey of MSC’s Adventure Voice outdoor research community found 1 in 7 hunters have suffered an injury due to a lack of fitness or fatigue and more than one-third have struggled on a hunt due to their lack of fitness.
MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says assessing your fitness is a good place to start.
“Many Kiwis hunt all year round and maintain a good level of fitness, but for those who have taken a break over winter and spring, now is the time to get active.”
The Roar is a highlight of the hunting calendar, with thousands of hunters heading into the hills for the deer rutting season in March and April. During this period, the number of severe hunting injuries double compared to an average month, with 40% of severe injuries to the knee and shoulder.
“A severe hunting injury results in an average of 76 days off work, so it’s wise to do the groundwork and avoid injuries if you can,” says Mike.
Being fit has other real benefits too. Of the hunters surveyed, 83% said being fit helped them have a more enjoyable time, while 73% said it enabled them to cover more ground or challenging terrain.
MSC has designed a free #ROARfit guide to help hunters build their endurance and strength, and plan a successful hunt.
“The key is to choose an exercise you like, start small, go regularly and build up slowly, especially if you’re out of practice. A great way to train or maintain your fitness is to walk, tramp or go on shorter hunting trips,” says Mike.
Having a clear plan for the day of the hunt is also crucial. Plan My Walk is a free trip planning tool that allows hunters to customise routes and gear lists, and build a trip plan that’s easy to share with their hunting party.
MSC is excited to be partnering with ACC for a third consecutive year to encourage hunters to Have a hmmm during the Roar season.
“Have a hmmm involves slowing down, taking your time to choose a safe route, being aware of terrain traps, like bluffs, and watching your footing. These are all crucial steps to stay safe on a hunt,” says Mike.
