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Local News

Hunter safety tips: hunt smart - hunt safe

With deer hunting season under way, many sportsmen and women will take advantage of the opportunity to share time with their friends, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.  The hunting season offers much in the way of sportsmanship and camaraderie, but it also poses some obvious inherent dangers, Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich reminds citizens.

“Every year, we hear of tragic, fatal accidents that occur because simple precautions and care are not being used with bows and firearms.  Don't let what should be an enjoyable and memorable time turn into a tragedy,” Reich said. "Taking a hunter safety course is an excellent idea." 

 

Hunter education in Michigan has taught thousands of people safe hunting techniques, bow and firearm handling, and hunter ethics, he said. Hunter safety is required if you were born after January 1, 1960, and you want to purchase any Michigan hunting license, or if you are planning an out-of-state hunting trip. 

 

Free Hunter safety classes are offered at the Eaton County sheriff’s office; call 517-543-5257 for dates of upcoming classes. 

 

A hunter safety certificate or previous hunting license is required to purchase any Michigan Hunting License.  Hunters can be licensed at age 10. A hunter must be at least 12 years old to hunt deer, bear, or elk with a firearm.  Hunters age 12-13 may hunt deer, bear, or elk with a firearm only on private land, including lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program. //

 

Remember simple rules and laws to follow before you go hunting. These safety tips will make everyone safer:

When Bow Hunting:

• Only point your bow and arrow in a safe direction, and only nock an arrow when it is safe to shoot.

• Be sure of your target and what is in front, behind and beyond it.

• Only shoot when you have a safe range or shooting area, and a safe backstop. Never shoot over a ridge or ridge top when you cannot identify a safe background.

• Do not drink alcohol or take mood-altering drugs before or during bow hunting and keep your emotions under control.

• Exercise regularly and stay in good shape, especially before strenuous hunts. Hunt within your physical limitations.

 • Let someone know exactly where you will be hunting.

• Carefully cross barriers or obstacles with arrows secured in a sturdy quiver fully covering razor-sharp blades and check your bow and arrows for signs of damage or wear.

• Dress properly for the worst weather conditions you may encounter and carry basic survival gear every time you go into the field.

• When climbing into an elevated stand, attach yourself to the tree when you start climbing and until you are back on the ground, using a full-body harness attached so you will drop less than a foot if you fall.

• Always use a haul line to raise and lower your gear when hunting—do not climb or descend with a bow in your hand.

 

When Hunting with Firearms:

• Always tell someone the area you will be hunting and when you expect to be back. In case of an accident they will know where to find you.

• Treat every weapon as if it were loaded. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and do not put your finger on the trigger unless you are prepared to shoot. Be certain of your target, and what is beyond it.

• Protect yourself from hypothermia by checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately.  Simply being prepared will keep you safe hunting.

• Check your equipment regularly and maintain it. 

• When hunting with a firearm you must wear hunter's orange visible from all sides.

• Be aware of what your target is and what you shoot at is your intended target.

• Wear hearing and eye protection.

• Do not hunt while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is illegal and unsafe.

• Hunters on someone else's land should always get permission and let them know when you will be there.

• Hunting from a tree, raised platform, or scaffold with a firearm is legal, but do not carry a loaded weapon as you climb.

For more information on hunter safety visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

 

 

 

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