Safety Tips

It's always a good idea to review hunting safety

Whether you are a veteran hunter or a rookie, it never hurts to review some basic safety tips. Although these safety tips seem simple, they can save lives and prevent unnecessary accidents.

1. Treating all weapons as if they are loaded and ready for use is perhaps the golden rule of hunting safety. When you are handling a gun, always take the time to ensure that the safety is on and the gun is empty until the appropriate time.

2. Be aware of the where the muzzle is pointed. You should always keep it pointed in a safe direction and be mindful never to rest it on your toe or foot.

3. Before you even consider pulling the trigger, make sure you know exactly what your target is. If necessary, use binoculars to confirm the identity of what you are planning to shoot.

4. In addition to correctly identifying your target, you also need to consider what is in front of and behind it before shooting. If there is any doubt that the shot is unsafe, don't take it.

5. If you are hunting with decoys, make sure you are out of their direct line of fire. This can prevent you from being injured in case another hunter believes the duck decoys are legal game.

6. Look for other hunters in the area before collecting your goose decoys. If there are other hunters in the area, use a loud, clear voice to make them aware of your presence and your plans.

7. Conceal your deer decoys with camouflage or decoy bag when you move to another location. Again, this eliminates the chances of another hunter confusing your decoys with legal game.

8. Don't let your emotions get the best of you. Think through the appropriate steps you need to take when you do shoot your target.