Hunting is a time-honored tradition and an excellent way to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re heading out with a bow or firearm, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some essential hunting safety tips to keep your experience safe and successful:

Firearm Safety

Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire. When climbing, crossing fences, or entering a blind, unload your firearm. Also, be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Accidents happen when hunters shoot without clearly identifying what they’re aiming at.

Archery Safety

Archery may seem less dangerous than using firearms, but it comes with its own set of risks. Always inspect your bow and arrows before heading out. Cracked limbs, frayed strings, or damaged arrows can lead to serious injury. Make sure you have a clear shooting lane and a solid backdrop to catch any stray shots. Never point a nocked arrow at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and keep your quiver secured and easily accessible.

Tree Stand Safety

Falls from tree stands are one of the leading causes of hunting injuries. Always use a full-body safety harness that is attached to the tree from the moment you leave the ground until you’re back down. Avoid climbing with your gear in hand. Use a haul line to raise and lower your bow or firearm. Check your stand and ladder before the season starts, looking for loose bolts, rust, or rot.

Additional Tips

• Wear blaze orange during firearm seasons to stay visible to other hunters whether you’re hunting or not.
• Let someone know your hunting plan including location and expected return time.
• Carry a first aid kit and know basic wilderness survival skills.

By following these simple but crucial safety practices, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your time in the field and coming home safely.

If you or your hunting buddies need our services be sure to rush to the community clinic or emergency room. When seconds count, don’t give us a second thought.