As a prepper, every trip into the wild is a calculated risk. We’ve all seen the romanticized images of rugged individuals hunting game for survival, but the reality is far more complicated than simply stalking and shooting an animal. Hunting for food is not just about your aim or the size of the game you take down—it’s about the risks that come with sourcing your food in uncertain, potentially dangerous environments.

I learned this the hard way during a hunting trip a few years ago, one I had gone into expecting a peaceful few days of solitude. I was in my element, tracking through the dense woods, preparing for the hunt. As dawn broke and the sun crept over the horizon, I spotted a decent-sized deer grazing in a clearing. But something wasn’t right. The deer wasn’t moving normally—it was disoriented, stumbling around in a way that didn’t fit with its usual grace.

At first, I thought maybe it was just an injury, but as I looked closer, something clicked. I realized that this animal wasn’t just sick—it was dangerous to even consider hunting it.

Why? Because when it comes to hunting for food in an uncertain environment, not every animal is safe to eat. Animals, much like the environment, are susceptible to contamination, disease, and environmental pollutants that make them dangerous, even deadly, to consume. This was a stark reminder that in survival situations, we must think beyond simply capturing game. We must understand the environment, the risks, and the potential dangers hidden in the wildlife itself.

Let’s break down the four key situations when hunting becomes a deadly gamble and why preppers need to be prepared to walk away from certain scenarios.

1. Hunting Near Post-Industrial Areas

Prepper Tip #1: Stay away from abandoned factories and industrial zones. These areas are hotspots for environmental contamination, and hunting near them can lead you to dangerous, contaminated game.

Industrial waste is a real threat. Old factories, chemical plants, and abandoned warehouses may be sitting on years of pollution. Toxic waste and hazardous chemicals can seep into the surrounding soil, water, and vegetation, eventually poisoning the animals that live there.

In a post-collapse scenario, the risk of industrial contamination becomes even more dangerous. If you’re hunting near an industrial zone, there’s a very real chance the local wildlife has been exposed to toxins like heavy metals, petrochemicals, or other hazardous substances that are lethal or cause long-term health problems. Eating contaminated meat can lead to poisoning or even death.

Animals that ingest contaminated food or water may show signs of sickness, like lethargy or erratic behavior, making them easy to spot as unsafe to hunt. Keep a wide berth from these areas and avoid the temptation to harvest animals in regions where contamination might be a risk.

2. Hunting After a Nuclear Event

Prepper Tip #2: In the aftermath of a nuclear disaster, don’t risk eating animals that might have been exposed to radiation. Radiation can linger in the environment, contaminating animals and plants for months or even years.

If a nuclear event occurs, it changes everything—especially when it comes to hunting for food. Animals are highly susceptible to radiation exposure, especially after a nuclear disaster. A nuclear explosion releases dangerous radiation into the atmosphere, which can settle in the environment, contaminating water sources, soil, and vegetation.

Deer, rabbits, and other wildlife that live in these areas can absorb radiation directly into their bodies. The meat of these animals could be radioactive and pose severe health risks, including cancer, radiation sickness, or death.

In a post-collapse world, radiation contamination will be a reality in certain areas. If you’re hunting in an area near where a nuclear disaster occurred, it’s safer to assume that the animals you find in that region are contaminated. Don’t take the risk—hunting in areas that have been affected by nuclear events is a life-threatening decision.

3. Hunting During or After Wildfires

Prepper Tip #3: Wildfires release heavy metals and dangerous toxins. Stay clear of hunting areas that have been burned recently, as animals might have ingested harmful contaminants.

Wildfires aren’t just destructive—they release a wide range of toxins into the air. The smoke, ash, and burnt materials carry heavy metals, chemicals, and carcinogenic compounds that settle on plants and animals in the affected areas.

Wildlife exposed to these contaminants can carry harmful substances in their bodies. Animals that consume contaminated plants or water may suffer from organ damage or weakened immune systems. Their meat can be toxic to humans, especially if it’s been exposed to heavy metals like arsenic or lead, which are common in burned environments.

The risks are clear—if you’re hunting in or near areas recently ravaged by wildfires, do not consume the game. There’s a chance that these animals have absorbed toxic chemicals into their flesh, and eating them could lead to serious health problems. Always assess the environment before deciding to hunt in these areas.

4. Hunting During Disease Outbreaks

Prepper Tip #4: Look for signs of disease in animals, like abnormal behavior or physical symptoms such as drooling, trembling, or lack of coordination. Don’t risk eating game that’s showing symptoms of illness.

Diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer, Rabies, or Avian Influenza in birds can turn an otherwise healthy animal into a dangerous and unsafe source of food.

CWD is particularly concerning for hunters—this prion disease affects deer, elk, and moose, and causes them to exhibit strange behavior, such as stumbling, drooling, and lack of coordination. The infected animals can carry the disease in their body for months, making the meat unsafe to eat.

Signs to look for: If you’re out hunting and see a deer or any other animal exhibiting abnormal behavior—do not attempt to hunt it. It’s likely infected, and the disease can be transmitted to humans or other animals. Always err on the side of caution and avoid harvesting any game that is showing symptoms of illness.

5. General Survival Tips for Preppers:

• Tip #5: Always carry a field guide to identify diseases and signs of contamination in wildlife.
• Tip #6: Carry water purification tablets and know how to filter water if you’re hunting near questionable water sources.
• Tip #7: Invest in a reliable geiger counter to test for radiation if you’re near suspected contaminated zones.
• Tip #8: Keep a basic first aid kit that includes anti-toxins and antibiotics to treat potential exposure to contaminated meat.
• Tip #9: Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong with the game, walk away.
• Tip #10: Diversify your food sources. Don’t rely solely on hunting—always have backup food like stored grains, seeds, and preserved meat.

Conclusion: When SHTF, Know the Risks

Hunting for food in a survival situation is about much more than simply getting a kill. It’s about understanding the risks of contamination, disease, and environmental hazards. The wilderness isn’t a place where you can afford to ignore the signs of danger.

Stay informed, stay alert, and always know when to walk away from a potentially risky situation. By doing so, you’ll not only protect yourself from foodborne illness or worse—but you’ll ensure that your survival strategy is built on a foundation of smart, well-informed decisions.

The stakes are high. Make every hunt count—but don’t let it be your last.