Hunting Healthily; Backcountry Bushwhacking Basics

Vermont's forests are a breathtaking blend of towering hardwoods, vibrant ferns, and winding trails that seem to stretch endlessly into the wild. During this time of the year, another sighting you might stumble upon is a hunter, blending seamlessly into the natural backdrop, patiently awaiting the perfect moment, or stealthily stalking its prize. Hunting is a deeply rooted tradition in Vermont, drawing both locals and visitors out into its forests each year to enjoy the state’s abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness.

Unlike traditional hiking on established paths, bushwhacking requires navigating through thick vegetation, over fallen trees, and around natural obstacles like rocks or streams, often with no clear direction. It demands a high level of navigation skills, physical endurance, and awareness of the terrain, as trails are nonexistent and the landscape is unpredictable; this means the potential for injuries that could impact your legs, back/neck, or arms alike. No matter the style of hunting you prefer, you're likely going to be required to do a bit of bushwhacking to find your next best shot, and nobody likes telling a story that includes their own, often preventable, injury. Read on to learn the ways to give yourself the best chance of getting out of the woods feeling well.

1. Step placement

Continually scanning your immediate and near-distant environment for what risks lie ahead is crucial. Aim for footings that are as close to flat, firm, and dry as possible. A leaf-strewn floor often makes this challenging, so go slow, checking your footing and testing sketchy steps before putting all of your weight into it. Carrying gear and a firearm often create imbalance, which increases the risk of slipping or tipping over.

2. Body mechanics of stepping/climbing

Navigating uneven terrain increases risk to your ankles and knees if the leg is not aligned well. Aim to keep a straight line between your hip, knee, and foot while accepting weight onto your foot. Tighten your buttock muscles to help control your leg and keep your knee or ankle from falling inward while stepping up or down navigating larger steps; aiming the kneecap like an iron sight toward the middle or outer 1/3 of your foot should keep this alignment. When lowering yourself from a high-step, bend forward at the hips by pushing your buttock backward (as if going to sit down in a chair) so that your knee isn't over-loaded by taking all of the force solo.

3. Body mechanics of lifting/carrying/dragging

When getting your trophy out of the woods, be sure to use proper lifting/bending techniques to prevent injuring your back or neck. As best as you can, try to ensure that your back isn't rounded when you're pulling/dragging/carrying that buck. Use your legs to squat down while bending at the hips (not the lower back) like a hinge, and keep your shoulders and head pulled backward (as if standing at 'attention') to keep your spine straight. Also, breathing out while straining during a lift is more healthy than holding your breath and reduces the risk of lower back injury.

I hope these tips help you have an enjoyable experience on the hunt, and keep your body feeling great while you experience your best hunting tale to date!