Common Hunting Injuries: How to Avoid Them (and What to Do If You Can't)

Hunting is one of the last true tests of self-reliance. It’s you, the wilderness, and the thrill of the chase. But even for those who know the terrain like the back of their hand, there’s an unpredictable element that can catch you off guard. No, it’s not just the weather or the elusive game you’re after—it’s the possibility of injury. Going outside always has its hazards.

You might feel ready for anything, but a slip from a tree stand or a misfire from your own weapon can quickly turn a good day into a very bad one. That’s why we put together the hunter preparation course: to give you the skills you need to not just avoid these pitfalls, but to handle them if—more likely, when—they come your way.

There’s a lot more to staying safe in the field than luck, and it’s best to be prepared. So, let’s talk about some common hunting injuries and what you can do about them. Hopefully, you’ll never need to put this knowledge to use… but just in case.

Tree Stand Accidents: The Fall You Didn’t See Coming

Ah, the tree stand. It’s your best friend in the field—until it isn’t. One moment, you’re feeling like the king of the forest with the perfect view of your prey; the next, you’re experiencing a not-so-graceful descent.

Tree stand accidents are one of the most common causes of hunting injuries, ranging from broken bones to concussions—or worse. And it’s often the little things that cause them: a harness that gets left behind, a bolt that wasn’t quite tightened, or a misstep on the ladder.

How to Avoid It: 

Slow down. Check your stand’s stability and always use a harness, even if you’re just climbing up for a “quick” look. Good tactics and procedures are meant to keep you safe, even for the short and small missions. Remember, for every step up, you are climbing further into gravity’s territory.

How to Treat It:

If someone does take the plunge, don’t try to move them right away. Assess for injuries, especially fractures or head trauma. If it’s serious—like a spinal injury—keep the person still and call for help. And if you’re the one who fell, well… let’s hope your hunting buddy paid attention during first-aid training. Splint fractures to prevent further injury during the long walk back to camp. Materials like a R.I.S.E, SAM Splint, gauze, bandages, and tape are essentials in any first aid kit. Immobilize above and below the injury, pad the area, and check circulation. If that sounds like a foreign language, maybe it’s time for some training.

Accidental Discharge: When a Split Second Changes Everything

Accidental discharges happen fast, and they don’t discriminate. One second you’re ready to take down your target; the next, you’re trying to figure out how to stop the bleeding.

The causes? A little impatience, a lapse in judgment, or just plain bad luck. The consequences?

Everything from minor flesh wounds to something a lot more serious.

How to Avoid It: 

Respect the firearm. Always following the four fundamental firearm rules is what will help keep you and everyone else you’re not trying to harvest safe. Simple, right? Until that adrenaline kicks in or you get distracted and lose awareness of your weapon. If it were as simple as everyone makes it out to be, it would happen a lot less. Still, it bears mentioning—even the most experienced hunters can slip up. It’s our own overconfidence that often leads to accidents. Stay vigilant against complacency—it’s not the tool that’s the enemy, but how we handle it.

How to Treat It:

If an accidental discharge leaves someone injured, step one is to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure and elevate the wound as an immediate action. If necessary, be ready to grab your trauma kit and use a tourniquet or hemostatic agent for wound packing. Any holes in the chest? That’s when your vented chest seals come in handy. If you find an entrance wound, don’t forget to check for the exit. If you need to make a seal, anything waterproof will work in a pinch. Knowing how to treat a gunshot wound quickly could mean the difference between a good story and a very unfortunate headline. Not feeling confident about those first-aid skills? Don’t worry, we have mentors across the country to get you there.

ATV Accidents: The Shortcut to Trouble

ATVs are great for getting around the backcountry fast. But they also have a way of dividing our attention. It seems obvious not to text and drive, but how many of us have had to remind ourselves not to drive an ATV while scanning for elk? Uneven terrain, low visibility, or just plain overconfidence can result in anything from a minor scrape to a crash that leaves you on the ground, wondering what just happened.

You’d think four wheels would be safer than two legs. But out there? That’s not always the case.

How to Avoid It: 

Slow down, especially when the terrain gets rough. Wear a helmet, use protective gear, and for the love of all things sacred, don’t gun it when you can’t see what’s up ahead. That “shortcut” could be a fast track to a lot of pain. Remember to keep your priorities straight. When you’re driving, focus on driving; simultaneously hunting can create distractions that will sideline the entire trip.

How to Treat It: 

If the crash happens and you’re dealing with fractures or head trauma, keep the injured person still. Stabilize any broken limbs and watch for signs of a concussion—because there’s nothing funny about head injuries. Don’t just hop back on your ATV to rush into your blind before sunrise. Take a moment, ask yourself or your buddy some questions to assess cognitive function—it’s better to be cautious than to ride into another crash. The only thing worse than one ATV accident is two. Any branches or objects lodged in someone shouldn’t be pulled out until you get help. Keep extra gauze and pressure bandages handy to treat lacerations. Again, knowing what to do in these moments can keep a bad situation from getting worse.

Animal Attacks: When the Hunt Hunts You Back

You came here to hunt, but sometimes, the wild has other plans. Whether it’s the animal you’ve been tracking or something else drawn in by the scent of blood, animal attacks are a real and dangerous part of hunting.

Think bites, punctures, scratches, or worse, and remember that a wounded animal is often more dangerous than a healthy one. If you’ve ever been too close to a cornered elk, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

How to Avoid It: 

Approach with caution. Never assume an animal is down for the count, and always be aware of your surroundings—other predators might be closer than you think. Wait just a little longer than you think is necessary. Nature doesn’t care how experienced you are; it only cares that you’re in the way.

How to Treat It: 

If the worst happens and you’re on the receiving end of a bite or a charge, your first priority is to stop the bleeding. This is where a good MARCH (Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia) assessment comes in handy. Knowing how to prioritize injuries and treat the most life-threatening ones first is critical. For milder injuries, clean the wound as best as you can and wrap it to prevent infection. Then, get help. A puncture wound in the wild can go from bad to worse quickly, so it’s better to act fast.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap to Self-Sufficiency

Hunting is a test of skill, patience, and resilience. But the truth is, accidents happen—even to the best of us. It’s easy to think you’re prepared until something goes wrong and you feel the opposite. That’s why it’s so important to not just know how to avoid these injuries, but to also know how to treat them if they occur. Being self-sufficient in the wilderness means more than just tracking your prey—it means being ready for the unexpected.

If you’re serious about becoming the kind of hunter who’s truly ready for anything, our hunter preparation course is here to help you get there. We’ll teach you the essential skills you need to not only successfully start hunting but also handle the “what ifs” that can go wrong. And for those of you who think you’re ready but want to take the next step, there’s nothing quite like our guided cow elk hunt. It’s your chance to put your skills to the test in the real world, with the support of experienced guides by your side. Think you’re up for the challenge? We’ll see you there.