Safety Tips for Deer Hunters

Yes it is fast becoming the season and I would like you all to return after the hunting season with great stories and no injuries. I've searched the net for safety and hunting tips and would like to pass them on.

Stay safe
Fire

Perhaps the most important aspects of deer hunting are safety and ethics. If no one paid any attention to these, hunting of any kind would be too dangerous to continue. That’s why it’s so important to stress these factors about deer hunting.

Hunting Safety Tips

Safe hunting is the responsibility of all hunters. Follow the tips listed below, and you will help make the outdoors safer for all.n Don’t rely on your gun’s safety. Treat all weapons as if they’re loaded and ready to fire.Never cross a fence, climb a tree or stand or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.

Never hoist a loaded weapon into a stand.

Never load or carry a loaded weapon until you are ready to use it. Always unload weapons before riding in any vehicle, including ATVs.

Watch your muzzle so the other fellow doesn’t have to.

Wear hunter orange so you can be seen. A blaze orange hat and at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waistlineshould be worn during all gun deer seasons. It should be worn at all times, not taken off once in the stand.

Keep guns and ammunition separately and in locked storage.n Don’t shoot unless absolutely sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Know the range of your weapon. Remember, even a .22 rimfire can travel over 2-1/2 miles.

Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting firearms.

Always be sure your gun barrel and action are clear of obstructions, and only carry ammunition specifically intended for the weapon you’re using.

Always carry handguns with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during shooting.

Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. If you move from one area to another advise someone.

Dress for the weather, take a compass and maps to prevent getting lost, and be alert for other sources of danger such as poisonous snakes.

Carry a flashlight while walking through the hunting area before or after daylight.

Hunting EthicsAs the hunter learns the basics of hunting safety, he must also develop certain responsibilities to the sport. An understandingof game laws, sporting codes and wildlife management are as important as handling a weapon safely.

All hunters must develop a code that make them good hunters. This code is called “hunter ethics.” As responsible outdoorsmen, we should always remember that hunting on someone else’s land is a privilege and should be regarded assuch. It only takes a moment to ask permission to hunt and even less time to close gates behind you and to show thoughtfulness for the rights of the one on whose land you hunt. Problems between landowners and hunters affect all of us when prime hunting land is posted by an owner who’s had enough of picking up trash, chasing livestock that’s wandered through open gates and examining damage caused by a small minority. Help prevent the posting of private lands by doing your best not to harm the welcome you now have to hunt on someone else’s property.

Ask permission every time you hunt. Hunt only where the landowner wants you to; keep safely away from his house, barns and livestock; and respect his crops. Be careful to never stretch or break any fences you cross, and latch gates securely after you pass through them. The most difficult job of the law-abiding hunter who respects private property is to report those hunters who damage it to the landowner or local law enforcement official. No one enjoys this task, but a lot of thefuture of hunting depends on the sportsman who hunts by the rules, working to eliminate the poacher and the selfish individual who abuses his guest privileges.

Protect your hunting privileges by making sure the landowner knows you appreciate his letting you hunt. That means sharing your game with him, sending him a thank-you- note and nowand then taking time from your hunting to help him out with his chores. And never forget, no matter who the host is, the “welcome” aspect is important to all hunters because it helps determine how much land will remain open for hunting. Always let your good manners show. Of course, ethical hunting doesn’t end with landowner relations. Always follow these additional rules of ethics anytime you’re hunting.

Obey all the rules of safety and insist that those around you do the same.

Obey all game laws and insist that those hunting with you do likewise.

Do your best to acquire marksman-ship and hunting skills thatassure clean, sportsman like kills.

Support conservation efforts that assure good hunting for future generations

Don’t be a slob. Keep your campsite neat, and don’t offend others by openly displaying your kill in camp or on your vehicle.

Pass along to other hunters,especially youngsters, the attitudes and skills essential to being a true outdoor sportsman.