Hunters are getting ready for the fall pheasant season that begins for residents next weekend, but that doesn't mean they're ready to hit the field.

Saturday, Avera's McGreevy Clinic teamed up with Scheels in Sioux Falls to give free blood pressure and cholesterol checks to help hunters know if they're healthy enough as they head out to the field.

Men lined up for the free health screenings and they say it's worth the wait. They say it's more than a free check-up, it's about being able to have peace of mind in the field.

A good health report is what hunters were hoping to hear as they look forward to hunting this fall but some were told they could benefit from losing a couple pounds. But even that's welcomed advice for these hunters who want to know they're healthy enough to participate.

Kurt Lyman says the earlier he knows about his risks the better.

Kurt Lyman says, "There's no question about it. If a person doesn't know they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or even that their blood sugars off, it would be lifesaving to know those numbers."

Hunters can have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke while out in the field and that's a chance that Jason McGuire says he's not willing to take.

Jason McGuire says, "You don't want to be out in the field and have something affect you when you could have come here and had it tested and been prepared for it."

That's exactly why Dr. Kim Pederson with McGreevy Clinic says they offer these free screenings.

Dr. Kim Pederson says, "When you're out hunting there is an added stress on your heart and when you're out walking through the mud and the muck. Making sure that everything is okay before that is important."

Although Kurt says his numbers were good today, he knows as he gets older it'll continue to be more and more important to stay on top of his health. He says that's not just for his sake but for the peace of mind for his family.

Kurt Lyman says, "It makes it even more fun to know that I don't have something else to worry about when I'm hunting."

Doctors say hunters should plan to get exercise year round, not just during the fall months. They stress these regular health screenings are important for hunters of all ages.