It may come as a surprise to some, but hunting is actually one of the safest sports you can be a part of. Why is that? Because the people who participate have a healthy respect for the rules and regulations involved with hunting safety. Make sure you know how to keep hunting trips safe for yourself and your surroundings before you enter the woods this fall.

• • Know what you’re shooting

    That movement could have been your fellow hunting buddies, so be careful you know what you’re shooting! If you are any less than 100% sure you are shooting at the correct target, don’t pull the trigger! While not required by law in New York, more than 80% of big game hunters and two out of three small game hunters, wear hunter orange. Hunters who wear orange are seven times less likely to be shot and have an exponential advantage over game like deer, who are less sensitive to the longer wavelengths that oranges and reds give out.

  • Wear fall prevention devices while in trees or ladders

    If you are a bow hunter (or similar hunter who climbs trees or ladders), be wise in choosing your position! Tribune Star states that in the last five years, 55% of reported hunting accidents have involved falls from tree or ladder stands. Most of those who fell were not wearing any form of fall prevention device, which could have prevented serious injury. We recommend wearing a full-body harness, which is attached to the tree or ladder as soon as you begin to climb.

Hunters who wear orange are seven times less likely to be shot.

• Watch exertion levels

  Heart attacks are surprisingly common while hunting, so make sure you control your output throughout the day. Staying hydrated and nourished will also help decrease the risk of over-exertion.

• Keep your safety on while you walk

  This one is self-explanatory. While you walk, keep your safety on to prevent inadvertent firing. However, you should still always treat your gun as if it can[…]

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