Wisconsin’s 170th regular nine-day gun deer season begins this Saturday, with state officials expecting some 600,000 hunters heading out into the fields and forests.
The state’s whitetail population exceeds 1.6 million, making an average of 18.4 deer per square mile.
Now, for those who are donning the orange, the Department of Natural Resources wardens offer the following tips for hunters to keep in mind:
• While blaze orange or pink clothing is required on 50% of outer clothes above the waist, it’s best to wear 100% solid blaze orange. It’ll make you easier to see and reduce the chance of an accident.
• Always unload all shells or bullets from your firearm and fully enclose the gun in a carrying case before placing it in or on any vehicle, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
• Stay away from roads, because hunting or shooting within 50 feet of most roads is illegal. This is the second-most common violation and one that leads to accidents every year.
• Hunt only where you have permission. Check plat maps to know who owns the land and where they are.
• Be aware of your hunting partners’ locations and safe zones of fire. The DNR says that 40% of all deer-hunting mishaps occur during the traditional deer drive and 80% involve shooting at a running deer.
• If — or, rather, when — you bag your buck or doe, immediately validate the tag and attach it to the deer. Don’t wait around for other hunters, or to field dress or move the deer before tagging it.
• Report any violations you see to the DNR.
• Treat every gun as if it were loaded, be sure of your target and what lies beyond it and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger.
• Finally, relax, take your time and enjoy the great outdoors. Be courteous to other hunters and nonhunters.
Last year, nine firearm-involved injuries and one fatality were reported during the nine-day gun deer season in Wisconsin. That’s above the state’s 10-year average of 6.8. Most of the incidents are a result of the unsafe handling of a loaded gun by hunters who have had hunting experience.
While the odds of being killed while hunting are the same as being struck by lightning, accidents can happen. With hunters numbering slightly more than 10% of Wisconsin’s population taking to the state’s woods and fields for the opener, someone’s safety — perhaps a friend or relative’s or even yours — could very well depend on one person simply following the DNR’s rules.
Stay safe and good luck!
Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer hunt begins this Saturday. Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
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