On Saturday, deer hunters will go into the woods and, for all practical purposes, disappear until next year.
As such, officials are asking that hunters turn their minds toward safety through the coming week.
Among measures that can be taken in preparation are the following:
– Check to make sure your tree stand is secure
– Check to make sure your gun has been properly maintained and is in working order
– Take a first aid and CPR class
You are also asked to observe real-time safety measures like these:
– Always wear your hunter’s orange
– Never climb with a loaded gun
– Observe muzzle control — don’t point your gun at anything you don’t want to shoot
– Be sure that what you are about to shoot is, in fact, a deer
– When walking in low light, carry a flashlight so other hunters can tell you’re a human
– Wear your protective gear, such as eye and ear protection and a safety belt or harness
– Treat every gun as if it’s loaded
Other important points suggested by the Mayo Clinic include the following:
1. Watch for heart attack warning signs — Studies of middle-aged hunters shows that some of the strenuous parts of hunting, such as dragging a deer that’s been shot, can significantly increase your heart rate, which can increase the risk of heart attack. Hunters who aren’t used to that kind of strain should take frequent breaks to avoid overexerting themselves.
2. Take precautions against falls — The most frequent kind of hunting injury is a fall, which often happens when a hunter is in a tree and falls asleep or is startled by an animal. Pay attention to your surroundings and make certain that you’re wearing a protective belt or harness. Remember permanent tree stands are likely to deteriorate and can break or fall.
3. Alcohol can be deadly — It’s not just about making certain you’re not impaired and reckless or clumsy. Hunters can also be susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia while under the influence.
4. Share your location — Let others know where you’ll be hunting. If your cell phone doesn’t have great reception, be sure you have a redundancy system. Two-way radios or loud whistles are a good way to make sure you can be found if necessary.
5. Take your first aid skills — If you haven’t had a class in CPR and basic first aid, it’s highly recommended. Be ready to react to a heart attack, fall, or gunshot wound.
