Aiming for Safety During Hunting Season
It’s that time of year when many head into the woods in the hopes of harvesting food to fill their freezer following a successful hunt. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are more than 15 million hunting license holders in the United States, making it one of the most popular recreational activities.
While education, training, and the adoption of safer practices has led to a decline in incidents, nearly 1,000 people are accidentally shot while hunting in the United States and Canada each year. Approximately 10% of these incidents resulted in death. Additionally, tree stand incidents account for hundreds of deaths annually.
While we wish for individuals to achieve success in their quest, what is most important is that hunters arrive back to their home or camp safely after each outing. Hunters should always remember the 4 c’s and be careful, considerate, capable, and courteous. Therefore, here are 10 important safety tips to consider:
Obey no trespassing signs and only hunt in designated, familiar areas. Always tell someone where you will be hunting and the duration. If possible, avoid hunting alone.
Schedule check-in times with family or friends. Carry a two-way communication device that receives service in remote areas (i.e., cellular phone or two-way radio) and ensure the device is always within reach in case you need to call for help. Consider carrying a whistle or other signaling device as a back-up.
Check the weather forecast and dress properly to protect against severe weather conditions that can result in frostbite or hypothermia.
Be aware of your surroundings and identify your target, including what is beyond it, before shooting. Never shoot at sounds or movement and ensure other people, pets, and property are not in range.
Check your hunting equipment before and after each outing. Preserve and store your equipment properly and always familiarize yourself with it before using it in the field.
Maintain three (3) points of contact when ascending or descending from a tree stand. Provide regular tree stand maintenance and check your stand for missing or broken parts before each use.
Keep the safety of your firearm on until you are prepared to take your shot and treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Hunting can be strenuous and can be physical, so start with a check-up and follow your doctor's advice. Also, never consume alcohol or use any mind-altering substances when hunting.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends hunters wear as much fluorescent, hunter orange as possible to increase visibility and should be worn as the outermost layer of clothing. Garments including a cap or hat, shirt, vest, jacket, or coat should meet the legal requirements with the hunter orange color visible from all directions.
Always review your local and state hunting guidelines to ensure compliance with the season and the type of game being hunted. All first-time hunters, regardless of age, should participate in a hunter safety course.
Firearm safety is one of many topics offered at Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® programs held throughout North America. In 2022, more than 20,000 youth participants identified what to do if they encounter a gun, learned proper firearm handling and passing techniques, and the important role visibility plays when hunting.
The “Safety Day Corner” is a safety message by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with the mission to provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children and their communities. Recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America, the Foundation’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program has reached millions of participants since its inception in 1995. For more information about PAF and its programs, visit: www.progressiveag.org.