With harvest season winding down and hunting season in full swing, much of our farming community is spending their free time in the woods looking for a different kind of harvest. Before you enter the woods, make sure someone knows where you are at all times and that you are familiar with your firearm!
Image courtesy of The Keystone Armory
Firearm Safety: Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Never point a firearm in the direction of something that you do not intend to shoot, and always unload your firearm when you are not using it. If you struggle to remember this, just think MAT. Muzzle (in a safe direction), Action (keep the action open if not in use), Trigger (keep your finger off the trigger till you are ready to shoot.
Proper Clothing: Whether you are hunting private, or public land, it is recommended to wear some piece of blaze orange clothing. This will help others see you, in the event that you meet up with another hunter. It is also helpful in the event of an accident, those coming to help you will be able to find you easier. Along with wearing blaze orange, make sure you check the weather before you hunt and dress accordingly. In extreme cold, it can take less than 30 minutes for frostbite to set in on exposed skin.
Planning: Before you embark on a hunt, make sure you have a plan for yourself and any game you harvest. Ensure someone know where you will be hunting, whether from the ground or in a stand. If you harvest game, make sure you work quickly to begin preserving the meat. In warmer hunting situations, bacterial growth can start within 20 minutes of the harvest.
Equipment: Before climbing into a stand or using a climber, check that all pieces are in good condition and secure. Most hunting accidents occur because of stands failing, leading to the hunting landing on the ground. Most of these falls result in extreme injury or death.
