Article Highlights:

  • Wounds, sprains, treestand falls and gunshot wounds are common and not-so-common hunting injuries.
  • A wilderness first aid kit is essential for hunter survival.
  • Multi-purpose tools and gear that meet six core survival needs increase safety.
  • Real-life rescues show how Global Rescue handles complex medical evacuations.
  • First aid training is crucial to using your kit effectively in remote environments.

 

Hunting is a pursuit steeped in tradition and challenge, offering adventure and connection to the wild, but it also carries serious risks. Injuries are an unfortunate reality for many hunters who brave remote environments in pursuit of game.

A leopard attack underscores how quickly a hunting trip can become a survival scenario. In Botswana, a leopard bit a US hunter in the calf. His injuries, complicated by a pre-existing blood clotting disorder, required immediate evacuation. Global Rescue coordinated a successful air ambulance to Johannesburg, where the member received advanced medical treatment and was ultimately released.

These are not isolated events. Whether facing predators, unpredictable terrain or equipment-related mishaps, hunters must be ready to treat injuries ranging from minor wounds to life-threatening trauma. The key to staying safe? Preparation, awareness and a wilderness first aid kit backed by the proper training.

 

Hunting Injuries

Hunters encounter a range of injuries in the field. The most common are cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds, often sustained while navigating dense brush, handling knives or dressing game. Thorns, antlers and sharp tools can cause serious injuries if not properly cleaned and treated, especially in environments with high infection risks.

Sprains and fractures are another frequent issue. Hunters often traverse uneven or slippery terrain, increasing the chances of twisting an ankle or falling and breaking a bone. Tree stands add another layer of risk, as a fall from even a moderate height can result in severe back, neck or head injuries. And while rare, accidental gunshot wounds remain a grim reality of the sport. These incidents demand immediate bleeding control and rapid evacuation, whether due to poor visibility, miscommunication or misfired weapons.

 

Wilderness First Aid Kit for Hunters

The contents of a wilderness first aid kit can be the difference between managing an injury in the field or facing life-threatening complications. For hunters, wound care supplies are essential. Various sterile bandages, gauze pads and adhesive tape help treat minor cuts to deeper lacerations. Antiseptic wipes are necessary for cleaning wounds, while antibacterial ointment helps prevent infections. Scissors and tweezers come in handy for removing debris like thorns or splinters.

Pain and allergy relief items should also be part of your kit. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen reduce inflammation and help manage discomfort from sprains or fractures. Antihistamines can counteract allergic reactions from insect stings or environmental triggers. Burn cream or gel may also be needed, especially if hunters cook over open flames or use chemical-based fire starters.

Stabilization is another critical category. A SAM splint allows for the immobilization of injured limbs and elastic bandages provide compression and support for sprains. These tools are lightweight but powerful when keeping a hunter stabilized until help arrives.

For more severe injuries, bleeding control is paramount. A commercial tourniquet can stop life-threatening hemorrhages from gunshot wounds or deep cuts. Latex gloves and a CPR mask should be included for hygiene and emergency response, especially when assisting others.

Hydration and temperature regulation are also vital. Pack water purification tablets or a filtration straw to ensure clean drinking water. An emergency blanket can help prevent hypothermia, especially if the hunter is immobilized or must stay overnight in cold conditions. A headlamp, rather than a flashlight, provides hands-free visibility, essential for treating wounds or navigating after dark.

Additional survival tools, a whistle, compass, waterproof matches and compact food sources like energy bars or bouillon cubes, round out a well-equipped pack. These items help sustain the hunter during unexpected overnight stays or extended waits for rescue.

 

A person starts a fire using a match and dried moss and bark on the snow.

Wilderness Survival Is More Than First Aid

Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and Global Rescue associate director of security, says a survival kit is about readiness for the unexpected. “Your survival kit is for emergencies, unexpected occurrences where, for some reason, you find yourself facing a more dire situation than planned,” Bush explains.

Every survival situation involves one or more of six critical needs: communications, first aid, food and water, shelter, fire and navigation. Depending on the environment, the priority changes. For example, shelter is the top priority in a frigid climate like New Hampshire’s White Mountains. In contrast, crossing the Australian outback elevates water to the most urgent need.

Bush advises against overpacking. “If you need to take so much survival gear it overwhelms your pack, choose another activity.” Instead, he recommends gear that serves multiple purposes, like duct tape, paracord, multitools and zip ties. Each item can be used dozens of ways to repair, reinforce or secure equipment until help arrives.

Waterproof containers or hard cases are essential to protect crucial electronics like GPS units and satellite messengers. A damaged communication device can differentiate between quick evacuation and a delayed rescue. Carrying multiple fire-starting tools, such as waterproof matches, a sparking tool and a windproof lighter, ensures warmth, safety and cooking capability in emergencies.

 

Hunting Rescues

Hunting injuries can spiral quickly, especially when infection sets in. One case involved a US hunter on safari in Africa who developed a high fever over several days. Members of the expedition contacted Global Rescue to arrange a medical evacuation. After reviewing the hunter’s medical data, Global Rescue determined the situation required immediate action.

The member was initially hospitalized for stabilization but required a prolonged stay due to the severity of the illness. Multiple surgeries, aggressive antibiotic treatment and intensive monitoring in the ICU were necessary before the hunter was cleared to fly home to Michigan, where he received continued care at a hospital of his choice.

Perhaps no example better illustrates the importance of preparedness than the case of John Abraham, a 47-year-old safari veteran with Madubula Safaris. While hunting in a remote part of South Africa, Abraham was ambushed by a leopard. The animal sank its teeth deep into his leg, shattering the femur and embedding bone fragments into the tissue. The leopard also bit his wrist in the melee.

He was rushed to a local clinic, where doctors performed emergency surgery. When signs of infection emerged, however, Abraham’s family contacted Global Rescue. The medical team reviewed his file and arranged an emergency air evacuation to Johannesburg. There, doctors discovered the original treatment had not thoroughly cleaned the wound. They performed additional surgery that ultimately saved his leg.

In a letter, Abraham praised the seamless care. “One phone call was all it took. They simply took over, a fully equipped medical plane was there for me, the paramedics were excellent, explaining everything to my wife and son while caring for me.” His survival was not only due to his toughness, it was made possible by professional support and fast response.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Whether a fall from a tree stand, a twisted ankle on uneven terrain or a rare but devastating animal attack, injury in the wilderness is a real and persistent threat for hunters. These dangers, however, can be mitigated with proper planning, comprehensive gear, first aid knowledge and a Global Rescue membership. From minor scrapes to leopard bites and infections, the wilderness doesn’t play favorites. The best hunters don’t just track game, they prepare for the worst.

Survival isn’t about luck, it’s about readiness.