When hunting or trapping, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to follow proper safety procedures. Following basic rules, like never going into the woods alone, can help to ensure your safety. Adhering to all posted warnings and advisories also helps protect hunters from danger. Follow these simple rules when hunting to make sure you have a successful trip.
Make sure your treestand is made of a sturdy and durable material. If using a treestand made out of two by fours or plywood, test the structures stability. Natural weathering, rain, humidity, and falling branches can damage the treestands structure, making it unsafe to use.
Use proper safety equipment, such as a safety harness when hunting in a treestand. Too many hunter learn the hard way, standing in a flimsy structure without proper safety equipment, they may fall and get injured. Think ahead and bring a safety harness if you are using a treestand or any elevated hunting platform.
Wear bright, reflective clothing, coats, or vests when hunting. Bright orange is a common color for hunters, this helps to make them more visible to fellow hunters and decreases the likelihood of being mistaken for an animal. Do not wear orange camouflage, this is illegal and can be very dangerous. Most large sporting goods stores carry reflective hunting gear.
Establish your target before laying your finger on the trigger. Many injuries and fatalities while hunting are caused by misfires from a hairpin trigger. To avoid accidents, it is important to be in constant communication with your hunting party and to make them aware when you are ready to take a shot.
Adhere to posted signage; do not trespass. Missing a posted trespassing sign can endanger a hunter, and/or incur fines if arrested. It is important to be aware of your surroundings. If you see another hunter or person when you are hunting, it is best to speak loudly. Waving at a fellow hunter can be mistaken for a moving animal.
Carrying a firearm can be dangerous if not handled properly. Always make sure that the gun’s safety is on when not in a firing stance, and never carry a loaded gun unnecessarily. Hunters should not attempt to ride a four-wheeler or climb a fence or while carrying a gun; such activities could release the safety and cause the gun to fire unintentionally.
To avoid physical stress on the body, hunters should not attempt to carry or drag out a larger kill, including deer and other medium-sized game. Without medical attention on hand, the risk of heart attack and injury increases. If hunting medium or large game, it is advised that hunters go out in teams.
Always let friends and family know when you plan to go hunting. This is important in case of an emergency, family and friends will know who to contact and where you were going. Stick to the planned route and carry a cell phone with you in case of an emergency. It is a good idea to program the ranger station phone number, and the local hospital and other emergency numbers into your cell phone.
Carrying a loaded firearm in a truck or car may cause the gun to misfire. Always make sure the gun it in a secure spot when traveling and always unload the gun from the vehicle once you have arrived at your camp. It is best to assume that all weapons are loaded and dangerous, always check the safety before storing the gun.
Always hunt or track in teams or two or more, there is safety in numbers, especially in areas that you are unfamiliar with. If you do go hunting alone, it should only be in an area that you are very familiar with. To familiarize yourself with the territory, take a preliminary walk around and map out where you will go. Also confirm with local officials that the area is ok to hunt.
To avoid illness and hypothermia, dress accordingly for the season. In colder months, it is important to wear multiple layers and carry an extra pair of socks. Some hunters choose to use hand and foot warmers that can be bought at most hunting or sporting goods stores. Please remember, these have a time limit and should not be the only source of warmth when hunting in the winter. Never wear wet clothing in cold weather.
Double check the weather forecast before heading out on your hunting trip, packing rain gear is always encouraged and does not take up a lot of space in your hunting pack. It is never advisable to hunt in thunder storms or extreme weather.
It is important that every hunter familiarize themselves with the firearm they are carrying. Seek out the advice of a seasoned hunter that can show you the proper way to hold, operate, load, unload, and store the firearms. This is not a trial-by-error sport, if you are unsure how to do something, always ask for help.
Never consume alcohol before or during the operation of a firearm, this is both illegal and a serious safety concern.
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