I was reminiscing about a hunting trip I took a few years back.

It was supposed to be a quiet couple of days, just me and nature. But, as fate would have it, it wasn’t quite that simple.

As the dawn broke, I spotted a fine-looking deer.

However, I noticed something odd about its movements.

The deer seemed disoriented, stumbling, and acting unnaturally. It struck me then that this was not a safe animal to hunt.

See, it wasn’t about the deer itself, but with what might be lurking inside it.

This deer could have been exposed to harmful contaminants that can make the meat unsafe to consume.

Think about it like this.

When SHTF, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat can become contaminated.

And the same applies to the wildlife around us.

Certain times and places make it risky to hunt due to the likelihood of contamination.

These are the 4 most common scenarios when you should steer clear of hunting

Post-Industrial Areas

Industrial waste can seep into the environment and contaminate local wildlife.

Don’t hunt near abandoned factories or industrial zones where the local animals might have been exposed to harmful pollutants.

Post-Nuclear Events

If there’s been a nuclear event in your area, radiation can contaminate animals for a significant time. The risk isn’t worth the potential food source.

During and After Wildfires

Wildfires can release heavy metals and toxins from burnt materials into the atmosphere. Animals exposed to these contaminants can become unsafe to eat.

Disease Outbreaks

Certain diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer can affect the safety of the meat.

Look out for erratic behavior, drooling, or lack of coordination in animals as signs of potential disease.

Hunting is more than just getting a good shot.

It’s about understanding the animal, the environment, and the potential risks involved.

It’s crucial to be aware of these dangers and make informed decisions about when to hunt and when to let it go.

So next time you’re out in the wilderness, remember to consider more than just the size of the game you spot.

We also have to ensure that food is safe to eat.