With hunting season here, it’s time to practice safety

With the recent cool fronts coming through, area temperatures are dropping. And with that, many of our area hunters are getting that “itch” and are beginning to make preparations to get outdoors and bag some game. Just remember that in our zeal to get out and take some prey we should not forget to always keep safety in mind.

So that our trips are always successful in terms of a safe and accident-free outing (whether or not we take any game), it is important to brush up on some of the basic hunting safety rules.

First, let’s review the fundamental gun safety rules: • Treat every gun as if it were loaded.

• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

• Be sure the gun is safe to operate (bore unobstructed, etc.).

• Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use and unload it immediately after hunting.

• Unload guns before getting into stands, going through fences, and getting around other obstacles.

• Know how to use guns safely.

• Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.

• Keep gun safeties on until ready to shoot.

• Know your target and what is beyond it.

• Don’t let the “heat of the moment” hurry your judgment or actions.

• Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.

• Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.

• Store guns so that they are not accessible to unauthorized persons

(especially children).

The use of tree stands by deer hunters has increased dramatically over the years. This has resulted in more accidents. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe hunt from a tree stand:

• Securely attach the stand no more than 10-12 feet from the ground.

• Use a safety belt to secure yourself to the tree. Harnesses made for this purpose are much safer than a rope. If using a climbing stand, use the belt while climbing.

• Use an equipment haul line to get your unloaded gun or bow and other gear into and out of the stand.

• Keep the tree stand in good working condition. Check it carefully before the hunting season and replace or repair any worn or missing parts. Also, it is a good idea to check it from time to time during the season too.

• Be careful not to fall asleep. This is a common cause of tree stand accidents.

• Never climb a tree after taking medication that makes you drowsy. If you start to feel drowsy and begin to nod off, get down to the ground immediately.

• Make sure that if you are using tree steps, that they are aligned to provide the most possible support and to prevent foot slippage.

• When climbing down, keep your safety belt on.

Finally, understand that safety is as much a “state of mind” as it is a set of principles to abide by. The main thing is to use common sense at all times. If what you’re getting ready to do doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it. Take a moment or two to think things out. Think about the consequences of your actions, and then make the right choice. It just might keep you, and your companions, safe and healthy and ready for your next great outdoor adventure.

Good luck afield!

Alan Matherne is the Louisiana Sea Grant/LSU AgCenter Marine Extension Agent specializing in Coastal, Fisheries, & Wildlife Outreach for Terrebonne, Lafourch e, and Assumption parishes. He can be contacted at 985-873-6495 or amatherne@agcenter.lsu.edu. His articles and blogs are posted at bayoulog.com. You can “Friend” him on Facebook at facebook.com/alan. matherne and follow his “Tweets” on Twitter at twitter.com/amatherne.

With hunting season here, it’s time to practice safety

The sun rises over the Louisiana sky during an autumn duck hunt. With hunting season here, now Is the time to practice safety measures.

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