When people hear the term “hunting” they think of many things, but health may not be the first thing that comes to their mind.  The truth is that hunting can be a very physically demanding sport that creates a great physical and mental workout as well as providing lean and healthy protein for you and your family to enjoy.   Here are a few ways hunting can better your health.

Nutrition

When you think of hunting, nutritional benefits may not necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind. Many hunted animals like deer or elk are low in fat and lack hormones and preservatives compared to store bought meat.  The meat from an animal is only going to be as good as the food that it eats.  An animal that eats a diet that is mostly made of grass is going to have a greater variety of vitamins stored in its muscle tissue than animals raised on grain.  Dr. Melina Jampolis, a diet and fitness expert and contributor for CNN, points out that game meat is a good source of lean protein and recommends consuming in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Exercise

In addition to the nutritional benefits, hunting almost always involves some type of physical exercise.  A majority of hunting seasons occur throughout the fall months, so it is a great alternative to get in an outdoor workout in the fresh air versus working out in a gym.  Most hunting requires trekking through the woods in one form or another and once you add on all of the gear that is required for hunting, like a rifle or bow or arrow, you are adding another 10 to 20 pounds of weight to carry which makes for a great workout.  Taking into account a hunter’s height and weight, some sources estimate that the average large game hunter can burn well over 400 calories an hour.

Mental Health And Relaxation

Hunting is primarily a mental sport.  When it comes to hunting, it is a sport that involves preparation, concentration, problem solving and a lot of patience.  Hunting also is a sport that allows hunters to clear their heads and escape from the stress of everyday life.  Hunting is an experience that requires no rush, no deadlines, and no schedule. A study conducted in 2010 determined that just spending 5 minutes in some sort of green space improves mood and mental health.  Hunting can be done alone but also organized hunts provided by clubs or groups are a way to socialize too.  Time in the wilderness almost always allows for times of thought and reflection.

The sport of hunting can promote a healthy lifestyle.  Hunting provides many health benefits:  bringing home and preparing a clean and lean form of protein for you and your family, physical health to your body, and mental benefits for your mind and your mood.