Heart Healthy Hunting Campaign Warns Hunters

The American Heart Association's fifth annual campaign urges West Virginia hunters to recognize heart attack and stroke warning signs before heading into the woods.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Heart Disease

Forested Appalachian hillside in late autumn with bare trees, fallen leaves, a hunting glove on a mossy log, and a handheld radio in the foreground. — The American Heart Association's fifth annual Heart Healthy Hunting campaign urges West Virginia hunters to learn heart attack and stroke warning signs and carry reliable communication into remote woods. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The American Heart Association launched its fifth annual Heart Healthy Hunting campaign in November 2026, as health officials warned West Virginia hunters about heart attack and stroke risks during hunting season. The campaign focuses on recognizing warning signs, preparing for emergencies, and helping hunters return home safely.

Why it matters

West Virginia has a much higher rate of deaths outside of the hospital than many areas, and many hunters are in areas with no cell phone access. Physical demands such as dragging a deer through mountainous terrain can increase stress on the heart, particularly for people with existing or undiagnosed heart disease.

The campaign is in its fifth consecutive year, with educational information shared throughout November 2026. No specific incident counts or comparative mortality rates were provided, and the extraction does not quantify how many hunters are affected.

The players

American Heart Association

A nationally recognized nonprofit organization focused on cardiovascular health research, education, and advocacy.

Kanawha-Charleston Health Department

The local public health agency serving Kanawha County and Charleston, West Virginia, which supports the campaign.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing wildlife, hunting regulations, and natural resources in West Virginia, which supports the campaign.

The details

The campaign urges hunters to hunt with a partner, learn Hands-Only CPR, and consult a physician before strenuous outdoor activity. Hunters are advised to tell someone where they are and when they expect to return, and to carry a radio or other reliable communication method where cellphone service is unavailable.

November 2026: Heart Healthy Hunting campaign runs with educational information shared throughout the month.
2026 marks the campaign's fifth consecutive year.

Health Landscape

The campaign extends the American Heart Association's Hands-Only CPR training program into the specific setting of remote hunting, where emergency medical services may be delayed. It reflects a broader public health approach of targeting cardiac risk in particular occupational and recreational settings rather than only in clinical care.

Hunters with existing or undiagnosed heart disease should consult a physician before strenuous outdoor activity. Learning Hands-Only CPR and recognizing chest pain, arm or jaw pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, and sudden fatigue can help hunters respond quickly in an emergency.

The takeaway

Hunters who recognize warning signs early, hunt with a partner, and carry a reliable way to call for help are better prepared if a cardiac emergency occurs far from medical care.