Hunting Safety Tips

[blake]

Nothing can ruin a hunt faster than an accident. Hypothermia, getting lost, or just spraining an ankle are among the perils awaiting hunters ill prepared for a trip in the field. Hunting involves firearms, knives, and arrows and is often conducted in cold and wet weather. Hunters should take particular care to prepare before heading out for a day in the woods.

Here are some suggestions for a safe and successful hunting experience:

Get a detailed map of the area you are hunting, review it before you leave, and carry it with you in the field.

Carry a compass and know how to use it. Decide ahead of time the direction to head for if you get lost or disoriented.

Weather can change quickly in Iowa, so hunters should carry a simple survival kit and be prepared for an unexpected overnight stay in the field. The survival kit should at the minimum contain a rope, a knife, water, waterproof matches or wind proof lighter, an emergency shelter, and first aid supplies.

Know your hunting partners' physical and emotional limitations, as well as your own, and do not push your partner or yourself beyond those limits.

Do any of have any tips that you wish to share?

 

[Liv4Rut]

I guess I'm not safe, I don't do any of that

 

[blake]

Most of the members on this site are experienced hunters and already practice Gun Safety.

If anyone is teaching a new young hunter or an older inexperienced person to hunt perhaps these Gun Safety Guidelines will assist you in their teaching.

For those of you new to hunting, please take a few minutes and think about the following safety tips.

Gun Safety Tips!

Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.

Treat every firearm as though it were loaded.

Always make sure the firearm is unloaded and keep the action open when transporting or storing.

Be sure the barrel is clear of obstruction and that you have the proper ammunition for the firearm you are using.

Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.

Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.

Avoid all horseplay and mis-handling of any firearm.

Never climb a fence, tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.

Never shoot at a flat hard surface such as rocks or water.

Store all firearms and ammunition separately.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs before or during shooting.

 

[kbgibby]

In general, stay aware of your surroundings. A few things in particular for turkey hunters:

Use a red-filtered flashlight or headlamp in the pre-dawn darkness to get to your hunting spot, especially if you hunt in areas with steep hillsides, ravines or drop-offs.

Watch out for dead, broken, overhead limbs, especially on windy days. You don't want them dropping on you.

If you hunt alone, always make sure someone knows where you are going and when you'll return.

Carry a cell phone on your person at all times where you can access it even if you're injured. Doesn't do much good in your backpack if you've got a broken arm (or worse) and can't get to it.

 

[katy]

I think one of the biggest that is not listed is to check the backgrround of your shot to make sure nothing or no one is in your line of fire!!!!!!

 

[alaskanwhtail]

3 Colors not to wear are red white and blue...