At least three deer hunters in Michigan have died of heart attacks this hunting season, according to local reports.

The three men, who lived in Arenac and Tuscola counties, were 57, 65 and 83 years old, the report said.

Two of the men were said to be hauling away heavy deer when they suffered cardiac arrest.

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According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the firearms deer hunting season began Nov. 15 and runs through Nov. 30.

According to Dr. Bradley Serwer, cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company in Cincinnati that provides cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals, deer hunting is known to be a potentially dangerous activity for people with heart disease.

At least three deer hunters in Michigan have died of heart attacks this hunting season, according to local reports. (iStock)

“Deer hunting typically involves hiking to a stand of trees or a blind, waiting in the cold for hours, then dealing with a sudden rush of adrenaline when a deer is spotted,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Once a hunter hits the deer, he often has to pursue the deer a long distance over rough terrain,” he continued.

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“If the deer is found, it will need to be transported back to a vehicle. This typically involves pulling a 100- to 200-pound animal over varied terrain.”

Specific risks for hunters

Serwer warned that prolonged exposure to cold is a major risk because it can increase blood pressure and cause blood vessels in the arms and legs to narrow.

“Cold exposure increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular arrhythmias, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest,” he said.

Deer hunting is known to be a potentially dangerous activity for people with heart disease, according to a cardiologist. (iStock)

“Exposure to cold also increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which can then lead to pulmonary embolism.”

The “sudden rush of adrenaline” when the deer is spotted and shot can also increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, the doctor added.

Risks of hunting include exposure to cold, adrenaline rushes and physical exertion, a cardiologist said.

“Strenuous hiking also puts a strain on the cardiovascular system,” said Serwer. “If the hunter is not in good shape, this burden may be too much to bear.”

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Pulling the deer to the vehicle is also “very strenuous work,” he warned, which can lead to overheating and strain.

5 Safety Tips for Deer Hunters

Serwer offers the following health tips for reducing heart risk while hunting.

1. Maintain good fitness

“Stay in shape at the beginning so your body is better equipped to handle the workload that tracking and pulling the deer requires,” he advised.

2. Be prepared for weather conditions

“Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and dress appropriately,” Serwer recommended. It’s also best to dress in layers to better cope with changing temperatures and activity levels.

“Deer hunting typically involves hiking to a stand of trees or a blind spot, waiting in the cold for hours, and then dealing with a sudden rush of adrenaline when a deer is spotted,” a cardiologist told Fox News Digital . (iStock)

3. Stay connected and share your location

Carry a phone with you to call for help if needed, and make sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back, the doctor recommended.

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4. Stay current with medications

“Don’t forget to take your medications before hunting, especially aspirin if prescribed,” Serwer said.

5. Make friends

If possible, experts recommend hunting with a partner who can help transport the deer.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Michigan DNR for comment.