Hunting During the Pandemic? Expert Advice to Take With You

Written by HLRBO| 12/21/2020

The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed just about everything in our daily routines, from the way we go to work, the way our children learn and everything in between.  
 Luckily for hunters, the game has remained relatively unchanged by the global pandemic. In fact, the pandemic is actually causing more people to hunt. 
 But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can or should carry out your regular hunting routine. In this post, we will go over what hunters and anglers need to know about hunting during COVID-19. 
 Know before you go 
 First and foremost, you must know your hunting location’s COVID-19 rules and regulations. A lot of hunters like to venture out of town for a weekend hunt. But, keep in mind that during COVID-19, the laws and regulations change by state. So as soon you cross the border into another state, you may be looking at stay-at-home orders, closed parks and land, and other regulations that can affect not only your hunt but your lodging and dining/entertainment options post-hunt as well. 
 Hunting and fishing can wait 
 We get it; hunting is your escape from reality. We all need that more than ever this year. But, if you are not feeling well or you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must stay home. Even if you are hunting in a remote location, it’s still likely you will come into contact with people at gas stations, stops for ammo, and restaurants along the way.

Hunt local 
 The Ontario Federation of Hunters and Angles recommends all hunters and fishers to stay local this season. They say to hunt and fish as absolutely local as possible. If possible, avoid traveling long distances and don’t make any unnecessary trips or stops along the way. If you do decide to travel for your hunt, wear your face mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing on your trip. Know who is in your hunting party 
You should know exactly who you are hunting with and what their level of exposure to COVID-19 has been. You may want to require your hunting party members to get tested for COVID-19 before the hunt to make sure nobody is spreading the virus. Now is not the time to join new hunting groups or expand yours. Try to limit your hunting group to your direct family, if possible. 
 Bring and cook your own food If you’re making meals for your hunting group, instead of buffet-style meals, prepackaged or individual servings are best, so no germs are shared. Use disposable dinnerware.

Mind your space Most hunting is done physically distant from others, but few spots don’t allow for adequate space between individuals, like in blinds, tree stands, and side-by-sides. Be mindful when in these shared places and wear a mask. 
 Some other tips for hunting during COVID-19 are: 
 Travel as directly to your destination as possible and minimize stops along the way Try to bring all needed food, supplies, and gear with you If you’re spending the night, be aware of the sleeping arrangements and make sure there is plenty of room.
 Hunt private If you’ve always wanted to check out a private hunt, now is the time to do so. HLRBO makes it easy for you to find and lease private land. Be sure to ask the landowner what they are comfortable with and what will work best to keep everyone safe during these times. Overall, we think hunting and fishing are excellent ways to enjoy yourself and the sport while remaining socially distant during these unprecedented times.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to get started looking for or leasing a hunting lease.