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Roar Countdown: Hunters Urged to Get Roar-Ready

30th January 2026|3 min

With only 6 weeks to go before the Roar, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is reminding hunters to prioritise fitness and preparation to prevent severe injuries in the upcoming deer rutting season.

The reminder comes as part of MSC’s #ROARfit campaign, which encourages hunters to improve their fitness, build endurance and strength, and plan thoroughly before heading into the hills.

Severe hunting injuries double over the Roar during March and April, often caused by slips, trips, falls and carrying heavy loads, with both mental and physical fatigue playing a major role.

“Hunting during the Roar involves covering steep and uneven terrain while carrying heavy loads, increasing the risk of mishaps,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley. “Good fitness and physical preparation reduce the risk of serious injury and help hunters get more out of their time in the hills.” 

MSC research using ACC injury claim data shows 56% of severe Roar injuries affect the knee, shoulder or ankle, with an average recovery time of 76 days.

Severe injuries mean time away from the things people love, including hunting, and also impact work and family life, so it’s worth putting in the effort to get prepared, 
says Mike.

MSC recommends hunters start by reviewing their fitness progress.

“If hunters are struggling to meet their training goals, they may need to reassess their Roar and aim for a less ambitious plan,” says Mike. “For those with a good baseline fitness, there’s no better training than time in the hills with a loaded pack.”

As well as getting physically prepared, MSC encourages hunters to get their gear in order and plan for emergencies.

“We suggest hunters get together to make a plan B, in case someone gets injured or the weather packs in, and support and encourage each other to do the best preparation.”

To help keep hunters motivated, MSC has produced free, eye-catching #ROARfit magnets for the fridge or gun safe.

“We’ve designed magnets to remind hunters to keep training, and spark conversations with whānau and friends about fitness and planning,” says Mike.

The magnets are available free through hunting retailers and organisations, and are included in selected hunting magazines.

Five Top Tips for Getting Roar-Ready 

  • Review your progress. How’s your training going? Do you need to increase your training? If you’re struggling, do you need to reset your goals for your Roar hunt? 
  • Hit the hills with a pack. There’s no better way to get prepared than spending time in the hills with a loaded pack on your back. Take it easy as this is still training.
  • Talk with your hunting party. Make sure everyone knows the trip plan and is getting prepared. Support and encourage each other.
  • Have a Plan B. Identify exit routes and decide what your party will do in an emergency or if things don’t go to plan, such as someone getting injured or the weather packing in. 
  • Check your gear. Make sure your gear is in good order, and repair or replace any items.

Find out more

PHOTO CREDIT | NZ Mountain Safety Council 

Media Release Hunting Roar