Hunting is a huge sport in several Ohio counties. Every year hunters travel from out-of-town and out-of-state to hunt in Holmes County and surrounding areas. Safety is and should be a big concern for any hunter. Knowing how to hunt safe and stay safe are key elements to enjoying the sport for years to come.
Pat Lang, local chief hunting instructor for the Ohio Division of Wildlife, believes one of the most deadly mistakes a hunter can make is simply shooting at a sound or movement.
Shooting at sound and/or movement is a hunting mistake that can cause injury or even death, Lang said. Hunters should make sure they never, ever get caught up in this sloppy habit. Every hunter needs to identify their target before shooting. You should also always follow all safety rules and obey all hunting rules and regulations at all times.
Anyone hunting should make sure they always share with someone where they plan to hunt and avoid going alone if possible. Lang said if someone plans to hunt alone they should only hunt in familiar areas.
If you do go alone, be extra careful and hunt in familiar areas, she added. Be sure to dress properly and be prepared for the worst possible weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before going into the woods.
Its also recommended to check hunting equipment before and after each outing, and maintain it properly. Familiarize yourself with its operation before using it in the field and always wear enough blaze orange to be highly visible to other hunters.
Bow hunting can be as dangerous as hunting with a gun. Whether you are using a gun or bow, knowing your target before you shoot is still the number one rule.
Keep the arrow pointed in a safe direction and never point a bow and arrow playfully or otherwise at anyone or anything you are not willing to shoot, Lang added. Always be sure of your target and beyond; do not draw an arrow until you are ready to shoot. Bow safety rules are very similar to firearm safety.
Forming good habits is the best way to become a safe hunter. Handle a firearm in the same safe manner regardless of the circumstances and always respect these pieces of equipment.
Treat every firearm as if it was loaded, Lang said. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction and be sure of your target and beyond. Be sure to unload firearms when not in use and store firearms and ammunition separately. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions. Never climb a fence or tree, cross a log or a stream, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm. Anything can happen in a situation like that so dont even consider it. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water, either, and never use alcoholic beverages or drugs when handling a firearm or archery equipment.
Some individuals are leery of teenagers and youth hunting with firearms or archery devices. Others permit their children to begin hunting at a very early age. Lang doesnt think that age is as important as maturity and experience. The more an individual learns and handles this type of equipment, the more knowledge and safety awareness they should develop.
I dont really think it is a matter of too young, Lang shared. But firearm and archery equipment handling comes with maturity, training, understanding, practice, safety knowledge and more.
With deer season kicking off in just a few days, make sure youre ready and that youre ready to be safe. If you know someone coming in from out-of-town, make sure they have a good knowledge of the area where they will be hunting. Getting lost might pose a danger and it might not; but it will definitely pose embarrassment and a lot of harassing from your buddies.
Someone should know when you plan to return and your actual hunting location, Lang said. Believe it or not, you can get lost in Ohio or become injured. Survival knowledge should be important to every hunter. Some important things to consider include physical conditioning, the creation of a hunting plan, and knowledge of first aid.
Safety should always be first in every hunter, shooter or trappers developed habits, and I wish everyone a successful and safe hunting season!
For more information regarding hunting licenses, regulations and other safety tips, visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife website at http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife.
