It's the fall season and many hunters are out scouting their hunting grounds for the game of their choice.  Turkeys, deer, bear, moose, water fowl, squirrels, rabbits, and crows.  In New York State, there are regulated hunting seasons for big game, small game, and water fowl in the fall and winter months.  People walk in the woods and near water with all types of fire arms, bows and arrows, with pure excitement of getting close to the wildlife and high hopes of harvesting a trophy.   When going hunting, it is important to follow the basics rules of hunter safety.

The Cayuga County Department of Health would like to provide some hunting safety tips for hunters of all ages.  You can never be too safe and can't ever list enough safety tips when it comes to hunting.

Have any Safety Tips for hunters you would like to add?  We'd like to hear from you.  Please email your tips to cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us.
 

Basic Hunting Safety Tips for ALL

• Assume all firearms are loaded.

• Know how your firearm or bow operates - It is essential to know and understand how your equipment works, under all circumstances.  You should know the basic parts on how to assemble, disassemble, load, and unload your equipment.

• Know the ammunition used for your fire arm. - Know the correct gauge or caliber you are using.

• Know the proper way to carry your fire arm or bow.  Safe carries will vary depending on the type of fire arm you are using.

• Carry all arrows in a protected cover or quiver.

• Control the direction of the muzzle.  Be sure that the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction at all times.  For example:  Do NOT rest the muzzle on your toe or foot.

• Handle your fire arm or bow with extreme care and caution.

• Never climb a fence or jump a ditch with a loaded fire arm or nocked arrow.

• Always keep the safety on until you are ready to fire.

• Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

• Know what is in front and beyond your target.  When pointing your muzzle, be sure there is nothing obstructing your bullet path, as well as, what is behind your target.  Do not shoot at a target this is on a ridge or hilltop, or in front of a smooth  or hard surface, such water, or rocks due to ricochets.

• Know your target!  Do not point a firearm or bow at anything you do not intend to shoot.

• Know your safe zone-of-fire - Your safe zone-of-fire is the area or direction in which you can safely fire a shot.  For example - "Down Range" at a shooting facility.

• If hunting in a group, know the location of hunting party members at all times.

• Where your HUNTER's ORANGE - Wearing hunter orange increases a hunter's chances of NOT being shot 7 times.

• If in doubt....NEVER TAKE A SHOT!

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