COLUMN: Hunting safety reminders 2020

     With the arrival of October and the sights and smells of autumn comes the influx of hunters into the outdoors.

     Hunters and non-hunters alike should always keep safety first in mind as they enter Iowa’s fields and woods. Whether you are hunting or simply on a relaxing stroll in the outdoors you should always be aware of your surroundings and consider steps to have a safe outdoor experience.

     Always remember to contact landowners and get permission. Never trespass and do not assume you have permission just because you have hunted there in the past. Land changes hands, families grow, and sometimes more than one party has permission to hunt the same area.

     Remember safe firearm handling and practice it, including in your vehicles. This means do not travel with a loaded gun in your vehicle and never shoot from a vehicle. Both situations are against the law and have resulted in accidents and a great deal of trouble. Remember to unload and case your gun when traveling from one area to another. In most states it is the law.

     Once at your hunting spot, remember to only load your firearm when you begin to hunt. Many hunters get into the habit of uncasing and loading their firearms while standing around their parked vehicles. This situation can all too easily turn into an accident. Wait until you are out in the field and ready to begin hunting.

     Muzzle control is essential. Anyone handling a firearm of any sort needs to make sure they never point it at a person. You should always be in control of where your firearm points. Accidents take only a split second to happen and where your muzzle is pointing can be the difference between life and death. If your hunting partners are sloppy and do not take this seriously simply do not hunt with them.

     Another situation where accidents happen too frequently is the transfer of firearms between individuals. Hunters should unload any firearm they are handing to another hunter. This includes going over obstacles such as fences. If someone is handing you a firearm you should not accept it unless you know it is empty and you should verbally acknowledge that you have a grip on the firearm. It may take a little time and a few extra words, but it is far better than what could happen if a loaded firearm accidentally goes off as you hand it to your loved one or friend.

     If you are hunting, never hurry your shot or take a shot at something you are not positive to be the animal you are hunting. Keep calm and collected. You must be absolutely sure of what you are aiming at and what lies beyond it. You must remember that your firearm’s range may be farther than what you can see. Make sure that you never shoot over the top of a hill, over water, or out across an open field. I have seen damage to homes, hunters and vehicles due to hurried and careless shots. If party hunting, it is vital to be aware at all times of the whereabouts of all other hunters in your party. Even the location of hunting parties hunting on adjacent property is important to know. One person in the wrong spot can have dire consequences.

     Hunters must know all the requirements, including clothing, for each type of hunting they participate in. Non-hunters should be aware of hunting seasons when going out to the woods or fields for a hike, especially when going to a public hunting area where hunters may be. Your safety is your responsibility as well as the hunters’. The best outerwear for visibility is hunter orange.

     These are a few of many hunting safety tips hunters should abide by. Remember to use your common sense, follow Iowa’s hunting regulations, and hunt with others who respect hunting safely. Hunting can be a fun and rewarding activity if done properly and respectfully. For current Iowa hunting rules and regulations, visit https://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/hunting-licenses-laws.