HUNTING SAFETY
Plan Ahead – When it comes to hunter safety, learn it, preach it, and most of all, practice it. It’s easy to get overconfident and become careless. Always remain safety conscious when you head into the woods.
Field Courses – Field courses are hands-on training sessions typically provided by hunter education instructors. Courses generally include skills such as muzzle control, live-firing exercises, ethics and responsibility discussions, blood trailing, distance estimation, shot placement, shot angles, and shoot/don’t shoot scenarios. Hands-on field courses provide the best learning opportunities and are encouraged regardless of individual state requirements.
Online Courses – Many states offer alternative courses that allow students to take part of their hunter education course online. These courses may not apply to your state. Before you sign up for an online course, check with your jurisdiction. Students who complete the online training are normally required to attend instructor-led sessions to complete additional testing and skills training.
Gun Safety
•Become familiar with your firearm. Know how to carry it, load it, unload it, and know what to expect when you pull the trigger.
•Always assume every gun is loaded and always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Never point your gun at or toward another person.
•Never put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to shoot.
•Your firearm has a safety. Keep it in the on position until you intend to shoot.
•Be sure of your target and what is behind it before pulling the trigger.
Tree Stand Safety
There are so many ways for a hunter to get injured or worse while hunting, but more injuries and deaths occur as a result of falls from tree stands during the deer season than any other type of accident.
•Always carry a cell phone and keep it on you. Don’t put it in a pack that you may take off and hang in the tree, if you fall you will need your phone to call for help.
•Always install and maintain tree stands with at least one other person.
•Check all your steps and straps, and replace anything that is worn or weathered.
•Always properly wear a full body harness when you are in a tree stand.
•Always use a rope to pull up your gun or bow.
•Be aware of your surroundings and never shoot towards another hunter.
•Always wear bright orange so you are visible to other hunters. The visible portion of a cap and all outer clothing above the waist, except for sleeves and gloves, must be blaze orange during any open deer firearm season.
