Hunting Safety

Hunting is one of the world''s oldest sports and means of gathering food. While you''re out with a loaded firearm, though, there are plenty of safety tips to keep in mind. Following some simple guidelines and respecting your environment can ensure hunting safety and can help you avoid accidents.

Here are some basic rules to live by you''re while out hunting:

• Always point the muzzle of your gun in a safe direction.
• Be respectful of your firearm.
• Have your target clearly within your sights and know what is around or beyond it.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you''re about to shoot.
• Never go hunting alone. Always bring at least one partner.
• Stay in designated hunting areas.
• Use a flashlight when it''s dim out to identify yourself.
• Wear a bright orange cap or hunting safety vest.

For the sake of safety and good sportsmanship, remember these ethical guidelines when you''re outdoors:

• Follow all state laws and regulations.
• Only use bows or firearms that you''re familiar with and that are fitting for the game you are hunting.
• Respect other hunters and hikers.
• Respect the land and its owners.
• Respect the wildlife and habitat.

In a dense forest, it''s quite possible that you or someone in your party may wander off the path and get lost. You can avoid this by always staying on well-marked trails and always keeping your partners in view.

Accidents happen, however, so it''s a good idea to be prepared and to carry a compass and a map from the ranger''s station. Make sure you know how to use the compass properly before your trip. A camper''s whistle is another good item to carrry in case you can''t find your way, because it can be heard from far distances.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of getting lost, try to find trail markers, which will lead you to the ranger''s station. If you can''t find any markers and don''t have a cell phone with good reception to call for help, find a safe, dry place to wait. If park rangers and friends know you''re hunting, they''re bound to come looking for you when you don''t return.

In this section we''ll offer you valuable information to keep you and others safe while hunting. We''ll provide tips on weapon safety, first aid and more.

Weapon Safety

Knowing how to properly and safely operate your firearm is key to preventing accidents. Weapon safety is a must for every hunter.

First Aid

By practicing proper hunting safety, hopefully you''ll be able to avoid hunting accidents. However, in the event that an accident does happen, it is important to know hunting first aid.

Dangerous Animals

When hunting, you should always be respectful of the animals. While many animals will try to avoid humans at all costs, it is important to know which animals are dangerous animals. Knowing how to react if you cross the path of a dangerous animal can be the difference between life and death.

Resources

Appalachian Trail Conservatory. (2006). Take Precautions to Ensure Your Safety. Retrieved November 5, 2006, from the Appalachian Trail Conservatory Web site: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.795531/

k.AE1B/Hunting_and_the_AT.htm.

Outdoor Alabama. (2004). Alabama Safe Hunting Tips. Retrieved November 6, 2006, from the Outdoor Alabama Web site: http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/education/
huntingtips.cfm.

Teen''s Health. (1995-2006). Finding Your Way. Retrieved November 6, 2006, from the Kids'' Health Web site: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/woods.html.