10 Tips to Hunt Safely

Do you know how to safely hunt? Hunting is an exciting and rewarding outdoor activity that allows you to unplug from the routines of daily life and interact with nature. However, it poses some safety issues for you and other who might be in your vicinity. In this article, we discuss the safety measures to hunt safely.

1. Wear Hunter Orange
   
   Always wear the hunter orange safety clothing over your camouflage so that other hunters can easily identify you and not mistakenly think you are an animal or something else. Many accidents occur that could have been easily prevented by wearing the hunter orange. It is a recognizable safety color for hunters.
2. Inform Someone Where You Will Be Hunting
   
   It is a good safety practice to always inform someone where you will be hunting and the time frame that you expect to hunt. This can be your spouse, children or a friend. By informing someone, if you are not back in the timeframe that you stated, they can alert authorities so a search can be started to find you.
3. Practice Firearm Safety
   
   Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded. When you are handling a firearm, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction away from others. As you move through the hunting area, always keep the safety “on” and your finger off the trigger until it is time to shoot.
4. Unload Firearm When Not In Use
   
   When the firearm is not in use, always unload it, leaving the action open. Always transport and carry firearms unloaded and place in a case when you travel to and from the field or target practice site.

5. Don’t Drink Alcohol
   
   Don’t drink alcohol or any drugs that can impair your judgement before or while you are hunting. Alcohol and other drugs will not only affect your judgement, but can also affect your reaction time to any situation.
6. Shooting at Hard Surfaces
   
   Never shoot at hard, flat surfaces, or water.  There is the possibility of the bullet ricocheting and it might come in your direction. When you are shooting at a target, also be aware of hard surfaces that may be close to the target and you will have to make a judgement call as to whether to take the shot and have the potential of ricochet or not take the shot.
7. Be Sure of the Target
   
   Make sure you know what you are pointing the firearm at before you shoot. Do not shoot at sound or movement. Do not point a firearm at anything that you do not intend to shoot. Be aware of what is in front of your target and what lies beyond it.
   
   Make sure the target is fully visible and in good light before you aim at it. It is not safe to take a shot at any animal on top of ridges or hillsides as you don’t know what is on the other side.  Know how for the bullets, arrows, and pellets can travel.
8. Handling Firearms, Arrows & Ammunition
   
   Learn to carefully handle firearms, arrows and ammunition. Never climb a fence, a tree or ladder with a loaded firearm or bow and arrows. Don’t jump over a fence, a ditch or cross a difficult terrain with a loaded firearm or nocked arrow.
   
   Never face or look down the barrel from the muzzle end. This is very dangerous and can result into serious injuries.  Always carry arrows in a protected cover or quiver. Make sure to always carry a field cleaning kit.

9. Tree Stand Safety
   
   If you are hunting from a tree stand, make sure the tree stand is set up properly.  Make sure all the straps are in good working conditions.  Replace any parts that are damaged.
   
   Always wear the best tree safety harness when you hunt from a tree stand.  It can prevent falls and avoid serious injuries. Never climb into the tree stand with your firearm or bow and arrows with you.  Always use a line haul to pull your hunting gear up to you in the tree stand.

10. Hunting on Private Land
    
    When hunting on private land, be aware of the boundaries, where the houses, roads, fences, and animals are housed on the property.  By knowing where these are located on the property, you will have a good idea how to position yourself to shoot and prevent stray bullets from going to the houses or livestock.
11. State Safety Laws
    
    Always be aware of the state safety laws and abide by all of them. This will keep you and others safe and prevent injuries. Everyone who goes out to hunt want to return home safely and the laws will help make that possible.

Conclusion

Hunting is a very exciting, fun and rewarding outdoor activity. It allows you to connect with nature is a completely different way. While hunting is exciting and fun, it poses safety issues. In this article, we discussed hunting safety practices that should be adhered to for your safety and that of others while you are hunting. If you want to learn more about hunting, then click here.