Following a hunt, your attention will shift toward your immediate responsibilities. Usually, unloading gear and butchering duties. With other competing priorities in the back of your mind, like family and work commitments, its easy to become complacent and overlook the warning signs of injury or illness.

To simplify your recovery, I’ve put together this basic injury management guide. It contains advice on how to treat minor hunting-related injuries, as well as a few tips on prevention.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It does not cover the treatment of serious or life-threatening injuries. If you are injured, or symptoms worsen, seek assessment and treatment from a qualified medical professional.

Blisters

Blisters are one of the most common injuries that a hunter will experience. They’re easy to dismiss, but when neglected they can become infected, limit mobility, and cut hunting trips short. Blisters form when repeated friction creates a fluid-filled pocket between layers of skin, most often on heels and toes. Wet conditions and poorly fitted boots significantly increase the risk.

Prevention

• Apply moleskin or blister-prevention tape to known friction points before heading out.
• Wear properly fitted hunting or hiking boots.
• Choose merino wool socks to reduce moisture and friction.
• Air out feet, socks, and boots whenever possible.

Treatment

If the blister is intact

• Don’t pop it. The skin will act as a natural barrier against infection.
• Wash gently with soap and water.
• Cover with a loose bandage or blister plaster to reduce pressure.
• Change footwear if safe to do so.

If the blister has burst

• Drain the remaining fluid.
• Clean with mild soap and warm water, keeping the outer skin intact where possible. This will promote faster healing.
• Apply antiseptic and cover with a sterile dressing.

When to seek medical care

• The blister is large, deep, or unusually painful.
• Signs of infection develop (redness, warmth, swelling, pus, foul odour, fever, or flu-like symptoms).
• The wound fails to heal.
• You have diabetes or another condition that slows healing.

Cuts and abrasions

Moving through rough country and handling game makes cuts and abrasions unavoidable. While many are minor, any open wound can become serious if contaminated with dirt, animal blood, or water.

Prevention

• Wear protective clothing such as long pants, gloves, gaiters, and sturdy boots.
• Handle knives and tools deliberately. A sharp blade requires less force and is less likely to slip.
• Keep knives sheathed when not in use.

Treatment

• Remove visible debris such as dirt or grit.
• Clean thoroughly with antiseptic solution or cream.
• Cover with a sterile dressing and change daily, or more often if the wound weeps.
• Monitor closely for signs of infection.

Important: If an object is embedded in the wound, do not remove it. Apply pressure around the area and seek immediate medical assistance.

When to seek medical care

• Bleeding will not stop.
• The wound is deep, gaping, or worsening.
• Signs of infection appear.
• Any deep laceration – seek immediate medical attention.

Insects and Parasites

Long hours in the bush means that exposure to insects and parasites is unavoidable. Most are an inconvenience, but some carry genuine health risks if ignored.

Leeches

Common in wet, shaded country. Often unnoticed until bleeding starts.

Prevention

• Wear well-fitted gaiters with underfoot straps.
• Apply DEET-based repellent to boots and gaiters.

Treatment

• Apply salt directly to the leech to encourage release.
• Wash the area with warm soapy water.
• Apply antiseptic and cover with a sterile dressing

Ticks

Ticks are small, easy to miss, and capable of causing serious illness in both people and dogs. Fatigue and pack-down distractions make post-hunt checks critical.

Prevention

• Cover skin where possible with long sleeves, pants, and gaiters.
• Use repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
• Conduct regular checks during and after the hunt.
• Focus on warm, moist areas: groin, armpits, waistline, neck, scalp, and behind ears.
• Check dogs thoroughly after each hunt.

Removal and treatment

• Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady pressure.
• Clean the bite site with antiseptic.
• Do not twist, squeeze, burn, freeze, or apply chemicals.

Monitor after removal Watch for headache, fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling, rash, or flu-like symptoms over the following days.

When to seek medical care

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
• Progressive weakness or severe allergic reaction.
• Tick embedded in the eye, ear canal, or other hard-to-access areas.
• Known tick allergy or previous paralysis tick exposure.

Muscle Aches, Strains, and Sprains

Long walks, heavy packs, and awkward lifts will take a toll on your body. Muscle soreness and joint pain are common, particularly when fatigue sets in.

Prevention

• Pace yourself and avoid pushing through exhaustion.
• Stay hydrated and fuel your body to properly support recovery.

Treatment

• Rest and avoid aggravating movements.
• Apply ice to sore or swollen areas in short intervals (10 – 20 minutes on, followed by a 20 – 40 minute break).
• Introduce gentle stretching once pain begins to settle.
• Persistent or worsening pain should be assessed by a GP, physiotherapist, or osteopath.

Dehydration

Dehydration often develops gradually and is easy to overlook. Early signs include thirst, dark urine, headache, cramps, and fatigue. If ignored, it can progress to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Prevention

• Drink water consistently and replace electrolytes.
• Take rest breaks as needed.
• Avoid hunting during the hottest part of the day where possible.
• Limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

Treatment

• Stop exertion and rest.
• Rehydrate with water and electrolytes.
• Seek medical assistance immediately if symptoms worsen or confusion develops.

Serious Injuries Not Covered

This guide does not cover the treatment of snake bites, broken bones, severe trauma, or other life-threatening injuries. These injuries require IMMEDIATE medical attention and specific emergency procedures beyond the scope of basic injury management.

Final Thoughts

Most hunting injuries aren’t dramatic. They’re small, easy to ignore, and easy to delay dealing with. Treating minor issues early reduces complications, shortens recovery time, and keeps you hunting longer. When something doesn’t feel right, stop, reassess, and deal with it properly.