With Michigan’s firearm deer season under way Friday, the DNR reminds both new and veteran hunters to always put safety first.
Lt. Tom Wanless, who heads up the DNR’s recreational safety programs, said that although some safety tips seem obvious, it’s critical for anyone hunting with firearms – regardless of their experience level – to understand safety basics.
“You’re not successful unless you’re safe,” Lt. Wanless said. “We want everyone to return home to their families and friends. While many safety recommendations may seem like common sense reminders, they shouldn’t be taken for granted.”
Some safety tips to keep in mind include:
- Treating every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Being aware of your surroundings – know your target and what is beyond it.
- Unloading the firearm when crossing obstacles and/or getting in or out of a tree stand.
- Obeying “no trespassing” signs – they are there for a reason.
- Obtaining the landowner’s permission to retrieve your game if it wandered onto private property.
- Wearing as much hunter orange as possible to increase your visibility.
Get more hunting safety tips and resources at Michigan.gov/HuntingSafety. For season and regulation details, see the 2019 Hunting Digest at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.
