How to Be Safe While Hunting    

Learn how to be a Safe Outdoors-men while Hunting

Is this your first time hunting? Or, maybe you're a seasoned hunter needing a refresher on the basics. Beginners and experts alike, will make mistakes, and often forget the basics of firearm safety and personal safety. These tips might just save you and other hunters from the easily preventable accidents that can happen during a hunting trip.

Hundreds of people are injured annually in the United States due to hunting related accidents. Which range from misjudgment to a weapon failure.  While deaths are uncommon, they do occur. An accident can happen at anytime and to anyone while in the outdoors.

What is Hunter Safety?

Hunter Safety is an online, or in a classroom course offered by the state in which you live. The Hunter Safety course is an accumulation of rules to educate new hunters on safety precautions to take while hunting. They're meant to teach people about firearm safety and being safe in the field.

How to practice Hunter Safety?

The fundamentals of Hunter's Safety focuses heavily on firearms. They're a leading cause of injuries and fatalities while hunting. Next would be equipment failure, or damaged equipment. All could be greatly limited by inspecting your equipment before, and during an outing. As well as, following each rule accordingly to the given situation.

Follow the rules when using a firearm

Firearms should always be treated with respect. No matter if they are loaded or unloaded. Most accidents occur from dropping a loaded firearm, and the firearm discharging the round in whatever direction it falls in. In some unfortunate cases, it could be in your direction. That's why in the hunters safety course they strongly focus on firearm safety. I always follow the basic rules of using and carrying a firearm. The basic rules for a firearm include:

• Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always transport the firearm separate from its ammunition
• Never point your firearm in the direction of other people
• Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction
• Know your target and what lies beyond it 
• ONLY place your finger on the trigger when you're ready to shoot

Inspect your Equipment

The next leading cause of injuries while hunting is equipment failure. Each time I go hunting, I inspect all my equipment to make sure it’s gonna keep me safe. Whenever you are going on an outing, you should take time in advance to inspect all the equipment you plan to use. By spending that time inspecting your equipment, you greatly reduce the possibility of injury in the field. 

Tree stands

Most hunters have a year round stand or ground blind they use while hunting. I personally prefer to use a ground blind over a tree stand. 1) because they’re a safety hazard and unpredictable 2) you can’t break bones sitting on the ground. However, tree stands can become a dangerous part of hunting. Most, if not all tree stands, are secured by a simple ratchet strap made out of polyester. In constant exposure to the elements, and the occasional squirrel, that may decide to gnaw at the strap. Tree straps undergo some serious abuse when they are left out. So, it is always a good idea to check the straps for any wear. Even the slightest tear or cut in the strap could result in the hunter dropping twenty plus feet to the ground. Which is not the desired outcome of a hunting trip. Also, ensure that the tree the stand is strapped to is in good health. Trees go through various changes throughout the seasons, and may have suffered damage from a storm or a drought. I would highly recommend at the end of each hunting season to remove your stand from your hunting land to prolong the life of the stand. So, your equipment is sheltered and protected from the elements, allowing for continual and safe use.

Firearms

After every use, it is recommended that you clean your firearm to prevent build up of gunpowder residue. There are numerous things that can go wrong with a firearm. Mechanical failures such as, failure to eject, double feed, etc. None of which do you want to happen while using the firearm. Most mechanical issues put the structural integrity of the firearm in a "not so safe," scenario. Defective or damaged ammunition can cause injuries to the wielder and by-standards. Cartridge malfunctions could be a squib load, a dud, hang-fire, etc. It is crucial to inspect your ammunition before use. You should always check for any abnormalities in your firearm and ammunition to ensure for a safe outing. 

Apparel

While hunting, its always important to remember warm clothing and preparing for the weather. More importantly though, you must remember to wear your safety colors when traveling to and from your hunting spot. I always wear a safety orange toboggan or ball cap, and a orange vest. Under Georgia law, hunters are required to wear at least five hundred cubic inches of Hunter Orange on outer garments above the waist. As well as any accompanying individuals.

 Stay Safe- and Have Fun Hunting!

Ultimately, the most important thing is to be safe and have fun. By making a safety checklist and following that checklist, you are practicing to become a responsible and safe hunter. Enjoy the great outdoors and all that nature has to offer. With these tips and/or reminders, you can greatly limit the risks of being injured while hunting.