preventing injuries: the importance of physical fitness
As the Roar season, a significant event in New Zealand's hunting calendar, approaches, the importance of safety and fitness for hunters cannot be overstated. With an increase in hunter activity during this period, the risk of severe injuries also rises. To help hunters prepare for a successful and safe hunt, the New Zealand Game Animal Council (GAC) and outdoor retailers like Cactus Outdoor regularly share safety advice and resources.
One such initiative is the #ROARfit guide developed by MSC, a company urging hunters to improve their fitness before the Roar this year to prevent severe injuries. This free guide aims to help hunters build endurance and strength, plan a successful hunt, and reduce the risk of injuries during the hunting season.
To find more information about the #ROARfit guide and safety tips, follow these steps:
1. **Check Hunting Organizations and Social Media:** Organizations like Cactus Outdoor and the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) promote hunter safety and preparation during the Roar season. Following their social media accounts can provide timely updates and safety advice.
2. **Access Official Hunter Safety Resources:** The NZ Game Animal Council recommends following the five P's for hunt preparation (Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance) and provides links to hunter safety courses at nzgac.org.nz/hunter-safety. These courses cover essential safety tips, including trip planning, navigation, gear checks, and injury prevention strategies.
3. **Look for Community Posts and Guides:** During the Roar season, local hunting communities and gear retailers frequently share fitness and safety guides under hashtags like #ROARfit. These guides emphasize the importance of physical preparation, route planning, and awareness of weather and terrain.
For the most specific and current #ROARfit guide, monitor the official channels of NZ Game Animal Council and reputable outdoor retailers. You can also search for the #ROARfit hashtag on social media platforms to find tips directly shared by experienced hunters and organizations.
Being fit is crucial for a successful hunt, with 73% of hunters able to cover more ground or challenging terrain as a result. Moreover, being fit can enhance the hunting experience for 83% of hunters, according to a survey. On the contrary, more than one-third of hunters have struggled on a hunt due to their lack of fitness, according to the same survey.
MSC's Chief Executive, Mike, recommends assessing one's fitness as a good starting point. He suggests choosing an exercise one enjoys, starting small, going regularly, and building up slowly to maintain fitness. A great way to train or maintain fitness is to walk, tramp, or go on shorter hunting trips.
Having a clear plan for the day of the hunt is also crucial. "Have a hmmm" involves slowing down, taking one's time to choose a safe route, being aware of terrain traps, like bluffs, and watching one's footing.
Severe hunting injuries can lead to an average of 76 days off work, and during the Roar, the number of such injuries doubles compared to an average month. A severe injury includes an ACC claim cost of at least $2,000, at least 10 days off work, a fracture, head injury, or fatality.
To further aid in trip planning and safety, MSC has partnered with ACC for a third consecutive year to encourage hunters to "Have a hmmm" during the Roar season. Additionally, Plan My Walk is a free trip planning tool that allows hunters to customise routes and gear lists, and build a trip plan that's easy to share with their hunting party.
By following these tips and resources, hunters can ensure a safer and more enjoyable Roar season this year.
- Engaging in physical activities such as fitness and exercise, as well as following guides like the #ROARfit from MSC, can aid hunters in building endurance, strength, and reducing the risk of injuries during the Roar season, as highlighted by Mike, the Chief Executive of MSC.
- To enhance the chances of a successful and safe hunt and reduce the incidence of severe injuries, hunters are encouraged to check official resources from organizations like the New Zealand Game Animal Council (GAC) and reputable outdoor retailers, plan their trips carefully, and follow safety practices like the 'Have a hmmm' approach, which emphasizes careful route planning and awareness of terrain.
