Hunting versus Fishing: Which is Better for Your Health?

Are you sick of your sedentary lifestyle? Sick of sitting around indoors during your free time? Are you looking to get outdoors and lead a healthier life? It’s an excellent idea, but heading outside isn’t enough. To lead a healthier life, you’ll have to get out and get moving.

Two of the most popular outdoor activities are hunting and fishing, and both are great for leading healthier lives. They’re not better for just your physical health, though. They’re great for mental health, too. If you’re ready to start down the road to a healthy lifestyle, one of the major questions remains, hunting versus fishing? Which is better for your health?

​Hunting: Physically and Mentally Demanding

One of the most important parts of hunting is the physical aspect of it. While you may think it’s a sedentary activity, it’s anything but. Sitting in a tree stand and waiting for your prey to walk by is only a small part of a successful hunt. You’ll have to get to your chosen hunting spot, carrying all of your gear with you. Rifles are heavy – usually averaging around twelve pounds, and while bows may be light, they take strength to draw. Your weapon is only one part of your load out. You’ll be carrying hunting calls, suitable clothing, and a sharp knife with you.

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Physical strength isn’t the only thing you’ll need if you’re out hunting. Mental health is also highly important while hunting. You’ll have to be hyper aware of your surroundings for a long period of time. You’ll have to train yourself to accept failure. Inclement weather is all but a guarantee, so you’ll need a hefty love of nature, even in the worst conditions.

If you manage to bag your chosen animal, more often than not, you’re going to want to harvest it. Meat harvested from wild animals is healthier than meat from commercially grown animals, so be sure to bring enough gear to harvest your animal and bring the meat back home.

​Different Ways to Fish

​If you’re considering fishing, it’s easy to imagine sitting in a boat for hours straight, only moving when you feel a bite. While this is the most popular way to fish, it isn’t the only way, and it certainly isn’t the healthiest way. Fishing, contrary to popular belief, can be an extremely great activity for getting in shape. Don’t believe us? Keep reading.

Ditch the boat altogether on your next fishing trip. Instead, grab a pair of waders and hit the rivers. Wading through knee deep water all day is great exercise. Flinging your pole and casting your line helps, too. As long as you keep at it, expect your cardiovascular health to improve.

Another benefit for your health that is often overlooked is just how great fishing is on your body. Running, biking, and hiking can be hard on your joints – but fishing isn’t. It’s low impact on your body and joints. You’ll get all sorts of great exercise without ruining your body while doing so.

Since fishing is a unique activity, it also works unique muscles often overlooked. These muscles are in your arms and back, so while you may be sore after a day out on the water, you’ll be strengthening your body one cast at a time. Fishing also features a lot of small and delicate movements. These improve your dexterity and keep your motor skills honed. If you’re getting older, fishing is a great way to keep yourself sharp.

Fishing isn’t just a bunch of physical benefits, though. It’s a great way to sit back, relax, and enjoy nature. Ditch your phone and computer and let your experiences wash over you. You’ll be happier and less stressed, leading to much better health. Plus, getting a little bit of sun (and Vitamin D with it) is a healthy. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderate amounts and put on some sunscreen!

If you’re a natural born angler, fishing may be better for your health. It’s recommended to eat fish at least once or twice a week. Fish, especially natural caught species, offer omega-3, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. Eating fish is great for your health, so you might as well catch it yourself!

Hunting versus Fishing

​So which is healthier? Hunting or fishing? In short, there is no definitive answer. Hunting can be a much more physical activity than fishing. Carrying your gear to your chosen hunting spot is taxing. It’s also much less relaxing than fishing – you have to constantly pay attention to your surroundings. If you bag a deer or another large animal, prepare to work hard to harvest the animal.

Fishing is much less mentally taxing than hunting. It’s easy to relax and let yourself bask in nature. You may be happier spending the day walking down a lazy river. Fishing can still be hard work, but for the most part, you won’t be carrying heavy gear everywhere you go. You may still be on your feet all day, however.

It’s also highly recommended to eat fish a few times a week. Red meat, on the other hand, is often warned against for heart health. No matter what you choose, however, naturally harvesting your own food is always an excellent choice.

Choose Your Outdoor Activity

Which is better for your health? Hunting or fishing? It’s all up to you. Both hunting and fishing are excellent choices: you’ll be getting outdoors, getting exercise, and sharpening your mental abilities. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!