| The thrill of chasing down a twelve-point buck or | | | | While camouflaged gear is great to help you remain |
| bagging a prize-winning turkey sends millions of | | | | undetected by the animals, it can also confuse other |
| hunters into the woods every year in search of that | | | | hunters if they see movement from a distance |
| prize kill. Hunting is exciting, but it can also be | | | | without recognizing the orange color. If you are |
| dangerous and even deadly if hunters are not | | | | hunting in a group, try to keep the location of those |
| educated and religiously exercise good hunting safety | | | | around you in your mind as you change positions to |
| techniques. | | | | help avoid accidents. |
| The Basics | | | | If you are using a decoy such as a doe decoy, be |
| Before leaving on your hunting trip, prepare yourself | | | | sure to use orange safety tape around the perimeter |
| well. Never go to an unplanned location or take off | | | | of the area you will be in, to help other hunters |
| on a spontaneous hunting trip. Let others know | | | | recognize your decoy. You can also observe the area |
| where you are planning to hunt and when you will be | | | | from an elevated position to further protect yourself |
| returning. If necessary, leave detailed directions to | | | | from any stray shots directed at your decoy. |
| your hunting grounds with friends or family that will | | | | During The Hunt |
| be staying home in case an emergency arises and | | | | If you are hunting deer and find yourself tracking a |
| they need to direct medical personnel to your | | | | wounded animal, always use extreme caution. Other |
| location. Try to return home as close to your planned | | | | animals in the area may become panicked at the |
| time as possible. If you are late checking in, your | | | | smell of one of their own running wounded near |
| contact person can then know to set out using your | | | | them. An injured animal is very unpredictable and may |
| directions to see if you need assistance. | | | | likely be desperate to get away if it senses that you |
| Take the time to prepare your weapon. If using a | | | | are pursuing. Never approach a wounded animal |
| rifle or shotgun, clean and inspect the weapon after | | | | head-on. Never allow yourself to be corned between |
| every use and after any time the weapon has spent | | | | a solid object and a wounded animal. Always have a |
| in storage. Prepare a small first aid kit to carry with | | | | way of escape in mind should the animal attack. If |
| you while you are hunting. Consider bringing your cell | | | | attacked, try to protect your head and chest as |
| phone. You can always keep it turned off while you | | | | much as possible to limit damage to your vital organs |
| are hunting, and a phone can be the difference | | | | and increase your chance of survival. |
| between life and death in a medical emergency. | | | | It is also important to be aware of and on the |
| Always be prepared to give detailed directions to | | | | lookout for other animals like bears and snakes that |
| your exact location as you move through the woods. | | | | may be encountered while hunting. Being aware of |
| In The Woods | | | | your surroundings is an important step in staying safe |
| Once arriving at your chosen hunting spot, be sure to | | | | while hunting. Use some caution and common sense |
| don your safety gear along with orange-colored | | | | to ensure many more years of happy hunting yet to |
| clothing on your head and/or chest to help other | | | | come. |
| hunters in the area determine you from the game. | | | | |