It seems like the title is a crazy question, but in the majority of America, the largest and most acted upon sport is actually hunting.  Millions of Americans go hunting every single year and it is one of the most popular outdoor sports in the world.  Most people think hiking or soccer would be the answer, but surprisingly most people just ignore the millions of hunters who are out in the woods each year.  That means that people who just got an ostomy surgery are also avid hunters.  This sport is super important to many people in this country because not only does it give them joy, but helps feed their families as well.  I have been asked many times if you are still able to hunt after you get a stoma and the fear I see in the asker is real.  The truth is that having a stoma does not hurt your hunting capabilities at all if you don’t let it.

Now I first want to say that if you are not physically capable of doing the sport you should not do it.  I would highly suggest asking your doctor if you are able to hunt safely with your condition because we are all different.  No person is the same and we may all have different reasons for doing or not doing something, so just make sure you are healthy enough to go out and be active and hunt safely.  Now that the technicalities are out of the way lets break down the capabilities and successes of hunting with a stoma.

Take a breath.  It is all going to be ok, your stoma does not really affect your activities outside that much.  The fact is that most of your normal lifestyle doesn’t really change when you get a stoma.  Obviously, a few daily routines need to take place but for the most part, you are going to live the same life as before.  When it comes to hunting most of us know that it is usually a rather physical endeavor.  The sport can mean hauling heavy packs for miles a day and can also mean dragging large animals for a good distance.  That means that you need to make sure your body is capable of doing these things.

Get into the right shape.  Ask your healthcare provider for a safe workout plan to make sure your body is where it needs to be.  Remember you are now more likely to get a hernia, so you need to make sure your body is strong enough to do what it needed.  Then get into the gym or outside and start working on getting your body strong enough to do it.

Now think about using some scent blocking technology items for your hunt.  There are pills you can take to lessen the smell of your ostomy bag.  These are a great option and there are also drops that can eliminate odor as well. Hunting is largely about hiding your scent. I find using these few tips along with a nice scent blocking clothing actually hides your scent just as well as not having an ostomy bag.  But the best part is not having to leave the field to do your business.  That means more time spent hunting and less time heading away for the day or burning a spot.  Hunt safe and have fun!