Physical demands of hunting can strain cardiovascular system, experts say

Default Mono Sans Mono Serif Sans Serif Comic Fancy Small CapsDefault X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large XX-LargeDefault Outline Dark Outline Light Outline Dark Bold Outline Light Bold Shadow Dark Shadow Light Shadow Dark Bold Shadow Light BoldDefault Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%Default Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%Walking with gear and dragging a deer put a strain on your body and your heart.

By Aisha Morales

Published: Nov. 11, 2025 at 4:16 AM PST

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Gun-deer season is a week-and-a-half away. It’s good to start thinking of ways you’ll have a successful hunt while protecting your health.

Before you head off into the woods or fields this year, remember the physical demands of hunting can put significant strain on your cardiovascular system.

As a hunter, you often walk long distances while carrying gear or drag a heavy deer after a successful hunt.

Doctors say people with heart and lung conditions face a much higher risk of heart attack during hunting activities.

You may not be prepared to physically take on the extra stress and demand on your body.

Heart attack symptoms vary by gender

As we’ve reported at the First Alert Safety Desk, heart attack symptoms can sometimes be different between men and women. Men usually experience dizziness or lightheadedness with a racing heartbeat. Women may feel jaw or back pain and nausea.

Experts recommend you take time to calm down after a successful hunt.

“It’s hard to tell people to stay calm and relax, but that would be their best option if they are successful on their hunt,” said Megan Johnson, a nurse practitioner at Aspirus Cardiology. “This is for anybody, not necessarily hunters, but hunters especially because they’re doing extreme physical activity when they’re hunting.”

Reducing health risks

Doctors say, don’t ignore any symptoms you might be having.

A way to reduce your risk is by exercising 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes, eating a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet and staying hydrated.

It’s also recommended you get plenty of sleep the night before going for your hunt.

Wisconsin DNR safety reminders

That brings us to some good reminders from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:

• Make sure you practice tree stand safety. Always wear a full-body harness, also known as a fall-arrest system.
• Practice gun safety, including treating every firearm as if it’s loaded.
• Make sure at least 50% of your outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink.