Hunter safety tips

ALWAYS THINK SAFETY FIRST WHEN HUNTING
Hunting and the shooting sports are safe, enjoyable activities for all ages.
To ensure that you and your family, and those hunting around you always have a safe experience. Here are some helpful times and information to help you stay safe and have a successful hunt.

SAFETY FIRST WHILE IN A TREE STAND
Though commonly used by deer hunters everywhere, tree stands often are improperly installed. As a result, they are considered the leading cause of hunting-related incidents.

When using a non-climbing portable or ladder stand, hunters should securely fasten the stand to the tree and install ladders or steps according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Hunters should ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full Body Harness during ascent and descent. Be aware that single strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer recommended and should not be used. Failure to use a FAS could result in serious injury or death.
Hunters should ALWAYS attach their FAS in the manner described by the manufacturer. Failure to do so may result in suspension without the ability to recover into the tree stand. Be aware of the hazards associated with full body harnesses and the fact that prolonged suspension in a harness may also be fatal.
Have in place a plan for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices that may be easily reached and used while suspended. If rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must have an alternate plan for recovery or escape. If you have to hang suspended for a period of time before help arrives, exercise your legs by pushing against the tree or doing any other form of continuous motion or use your suspension relief device.
Consider your personal physical condition before going out. If you do not have the ability to recover or escape from a FAS, it is recommended that you hunt only from the ground.
Hunters should ALWAYS use a haul line to pull their gear and unloaded firearm or bow into their tree stand. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to descending, lower equipment to the ground on the opposite side of the tree.
Staying awake and alert is important. Hunters should avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness prior to hunting. Also, never use alcohol or drugs before or while hunting.
Hunters should always inform someone of where they are hunting and what time they expect to return

BOW HUNTING SAFETY
Bow Hunting can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite dangerous. Just as there are some basic safety rules with firearms, there are basic safety rules and other general guidelines for bow hunting. Whether you’re brand new to archery or you’re a seasoned archer gearing up for the new season, it’s important to take a few minutes and review safety tips before you head out for the first time this year.

CHOOSE YOUR HUNTING LOCATIONS CAREFULLY
When you stay in a designated hunting area and you keep your shots within a comfortable shooting range, you minimize your risk of shooting toward people, and either public or private property. Steer clear of popular recreation areas, which includes high traffic trails. Research the access points for the hunting areas that you plan to use before hunting season starts. That way you don’t run into any issues while there are active hunters in those areas. If you’re planning to hunt on private property, or use private property to get to public hunting spaces, contact the landowners before hunting season starts. If you can’t obtain permission, avoid these areas.
Finally, remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re concerned about a situation or have any doubts about your safety, err on the side of caution. For example, if you think that you’re entering private property, double check the area or take another route to your intended destination instead of simply forging ahead.

BE SAFE IN YOUR TREE STAND
When you hunt from a tree stand, determine whether or not it can hold your weight before you start to climb. If the tree can’t bear your weight, look for another suitable tree. While you’re climbing, leave your bow, arrows, and other bow hunting gear on the ground and secure a line to them. Climb up the tree, securing yourself to the tree as soon as you’re off the ground, and then retrieve your belongings to reduce the risk of falling out of the tree.
It’s preferable to use a portable tree stand as opposed to a permanent stand. It can be tempting to build your own stand, believing it will save you money in the long run. Over time, permanent stands can break down, becoming unsafe for bow hunters. Deteriorating tree stands can also damage or kill trees. If you do choose to use a permanent stand, check the bow hunting guidelines in your area as these types of stands are illegal in many regions in the United States.

KEEP ARROWS PROPERLY STORED UNTIL NEEDED
You should only have your quivers out when you’re ready to shoot. While you’re waiting to shoot, store the arrows in a quiver that has a hood to cover the broadheads. Without a proper quiver that has hood, you run the risk of jabbing yourself or another hunter, or knocking your arrows into another hunter’s bows and other bow hunting equipment.

PERIODICALLY CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT
Inspect the bow for flaking or separating laminations and fraying strings. Compound bow owners should look over the cables and pulleys to make sure that they’re in good shape. Then check the spine of the arrow to confirm that it matches the draw weight of the bow. Aligning the spine and the draw weight minimizes the risk of arrows flying off target during bow hunting. Lastly, it’s important to be careful and take your time while sharpening your broadheads. While you want razor sharp broadheads, you also don’t want to injure yourself while you’re sharpening them.

Always staff safe and ensure the ones that are hunting with you practice safety. The hunt is the blessing, staying safe is most important, sharing with friends and family is most rewarding, and a kill is the bonus.

A trophy is in the eye of the beholder!
Stay Safe and always say your prayers…..

Shannon Dunaway
229-726-5111

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