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Is Hunting Safe During COVID-19?

Last June, the state government of West Virginia held a giveaway for residents who had received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Among the prizes were a pair of pickup trucks, five hunting and fishing licenses, and 10 hunting rifles. The giveaway is an effort to urge more West Virginians to get vaccinated, which only stood at a rate of 51% at the time.

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The showcase of prizes is quite interesting—they’re all hunting essentials. Believe it or not, this staple pastime has experienced a resurgence during the first year of the pandemic, reversing the downward trend over the years before. In Michigan, new hunting and fishing licenses were up 67% from 2019. In Nevada, 50% more people attended its hunter safety classes. (2)

However, with the more contagious Delta variant running rampant, it’s understandable if many people can’t afford to throw caution to the wind. Whether or not you’re fully vaccinated, is it a good idea to be hunting when the pandemic’s far from over? Here’s an in-depth look.

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Not Carriers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there’s currently no evidence of wildlife being COVID carriers. It also pointed out that there’s no evidence of getting COVID from preparing or eating hunted big game. (3)

This fact, among others, enabled hunting license sales in 40 states to steadily rise amidst the peak of lockdowns throughout the country. They spiked even more by mid-2020 when the government began easing travel restrictions. As of this writing, most states aren’t imposing any interstate ban.

It’s good news for avid hunters and people who miss the great outdoors after months of staying at home. For those with a cause to celebrate, like the eve of the groom’s marriage, a camping or hunting trip is one of many other bachelor party ideas. The feast can come in the form of big hunted game and drinks fresh from the cooler.

No Room for Complacency

Just because the great outdoors is an excellent getaway from the pandemic doesn’t make it any less safe. While the CDC assured that the risk of getting COVID from wildlife is relatively low, there’s still the risk of contracting other diseases. Any of the following can weaken the immune system and leave the body vulnerable to COVID.

A compromised or weakened immune system is nothing good, especially during a pandemic. The Octave trial, which looks into the effects of COVID vaccines on patients with weakened immune systems, found that 40% of fully vaccinated (two shots) subjects generated far fewer antibodies than healthy ones. Of these, 11% failed to produce any antibodies. (5)

Add the fact that the Delta variant is twice more transmissible and causes more severe sickness, and you have more than enough reasons not to get overconfident. Getting fully vaccinated cuts down the risk of passing the disease but doesn’t eliminate it.

Safe Hunting Tips

Despite this, hunting remains a safe outdoor activity amidst the COVID threat. It all boils down to how you’ll approach it. Below are several crucial tips on staying safe while in the wilderness:

1. Get Fully Vaccinated First

Many experts recommend completing your COVID vaccination before going on a hunting trip. While it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get the disease, getting fully vaccinated can prevent hospitalizations by around 80% to close to 100% (depending on the type of vaccine).

If planning a hunting trip with friends or family, urge them to get their shots in full. Knowing how exposed they are to the disease in a typical setting also helps with preparations. Keep the group to as small as single digits to minimize the risk.

2. Always Stay Six Feet Apart

The CDC recommends maintaining at least six feet (or one bald eagle’s width, according to some parks) from a person, whether or not they’re sick. Distancing isn’t usually an issue in hunting since hunters don’t corral in one place, but there are instances when they have to, like riding in a vehicle or inside a blind.

In situations where physical distancing is difficult or impossible, wear a facial mask. Make sure it fully covers both your nose and mouth. It may make breathing inconvenient, but it’s nothing worse than the ventilators hospitalized COVID patients have to wear.

3. Avoid Lending Equipment

As much as possible, bring your own hunting gear to the excursion to avoid getting the virus or passing it. If you have to borrow equipment from someone, especially while hunting as a group, have disinfecting items on hand: 60% alcohol, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, etc. These items should be separate from your first aid kit to avoid running out in emergencies.

4. Protect Yourself While Harvesting

Once you’ve retrieved your hunt, it’s crucial to cool down the meat as soon as possible to maintain quality. Elk meat, for instance, can spoil from the inside because its bones hold plenty of heat. Harvest the meat and place them in quality game bags.

Wear protective equipment like disposable gloves while harvesting to minimize contact with the animal’s fluids or organs. After harvesting, clean and disinfect all the tools you used with soap and water. If possible, check with state regulations on proper transport and consumption of hunted meat. (3)

Conclusion

Save for social distancing and vaccination, most hunting safety tips during the pandemic are the same tips for any situation. With the end of this health crisis still many ways away, it pays to be cautious as you are confident about hunting the biggest game in your life.