Hunting can be an exciting and rewarding outdoor activity, but it is crucial to practice hunting safely at all times. Whether you are a novice hunter preparing for your first hunt or an experienced hunter brushing up on your skills, learning and following the dos and don’ts of hunting safety is essential. This blog post will focus on the most imperative safety hunting tips for a safe and successful hunting trip.
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Wearing Proper Hunting Attire
Whatever the game species, proper hunting gear and clothing will bring you that much closer to success. Let us start with your clothing – what should I wear? You can pretty much wear whatever you want as long as it is comfortable, breathable and will keep you warm and dry, but before you go and put on your choice of clothing, consider what wild game you are hunting.
For Deer
When it comes to deer, they can easily spot yellow or shades of blue, making your hunt that much more challenging. Can deer see orange? Nope, the orange colour appears grey or brown to them. In this instance opt for wearing vivid colours, like green, orange and red, which deer can not see.
What Colors Should a Safe Hunter Avoid Wearing When Hunting for Wild Turkey?
When hunting for turkey, do not wear blue, white, red, or black clothing. These colours will mistake you for a gobbler, and the potential outcome can be fatal.
For many hunters, wearing camouflage during the hunting season makes it easier to avoid wearing the wrong colour. The camo colours and patterns help you blend in with your surroundings, allowing your prey to come in closer.
Is it Necessary for You to Wear Camouflage?
No. For as long as humans have been hunting, they have worn whatever they had and, over time, whatever made them comfortable. Comfort here is the key! Human nature is to fidget when things are not quite sitting well. I have personally witnessed hunters wearing pyjama pants, and they had many successful hunts. That goes to show you that camo is not necessary, but it does look nice! If you haven’t scored some camo yet, consider the surrounding colours of the area (greens, browns, etc.) and try to choose colours that help you blend in. This is critical if hunting turkey – these birds can see everything!
Garment Legalities
Now for some legalities. These regulations may differ in your province or state. According to the Ontario regulations, “All licensed hunters, including bow hunters, falconers, bear hunters and trappers who are hunting under their trapping licence during a gun season for deer, elk or moose, are required to wear hunter orange. In addition, all licensed bear hunters hunting during the open season for black bear, which is not a gun season for deer, elk or moose, are required to wear hunter orange except when in a tree stand”.
Why Hunter Orange for Hunting Safety?
Nothing in nature matches orange, therefore allowing other hunters to spot you from a considerable distance. How much of the colour orange do you have to wear? According to Ontario regulations, you must wear a hunter-orange hat and garment. The hunter-orange garment must cover a minimum of 400 square inches above the waist and be visible from all sides.
Don’t just follow these rules for the law!!! For example, you will spot a hunter from a mile away when they wear hunter orange on a dark December day. That same hunter you may never see even from close range if they are wearing camo. Hunting accidents are rare, and the average hunter knows that and should be proud of it – but on that same token, there is no room for error or lax safety steps. It ONLY takes one accident to be DEADLY, so for safe hunting practices, please just wear your hunter orange!
Hunting Safety Gear Tips
We assume that you already have your hunter education program completed and your hunting license in your hand. Make sure you have your hunting tags purchased before the hunt. To hunt moose, deer or elk, you must go through an allocation process and be successful. Once you have your game license and a valid tag, you can proceed with the hunt when the season opens. Before you do, let us look at the dos and don’ts of hunting safety gear tips.
Boots
DO:
For cold-weather hunting, I use the Irish Setters Elk Tracker 860. These waterproof leather boots are very well insulated, keeping my feet warm. Not to mention, the Irish Setters have ScentBan technology incorporated into them. So far, I have not had any issues with these boots.
For those warmer-weather hunts, I use the Irish Setter Waterproof Pull-On boot. This 17″ tall rubber boot is insulated and also has ScentBan technology. Making it the perfect boot for that springtime or early fall hunt.
DON’T:
Rifle
DO:
DON’T:
Backpack
What should safe hunters always have with them when they leave for a hunt?
DO:
DON’T:
Range Finder
DO:
DON’T:
Knife
DO:
Scent Repellant
DO:
DON’T:
Other Hunting Safety Gear to Bring with You
DO:
DON’T:
Safely Moving While Hunting
DO:
Knowing Your Hunting Area
DO:
DON’T:
Respect for Other Hunters and Animals
DO:
DON’T:
Keeping Firearms and Ammunition Secure
DO:
DON’T:
What Should Safe Hunters Always Have With Them When They Leave for a Hunt
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, everyone should carry a basic set of gear into the woods for safety or if it comes down to it, survival. Here’s a list of essential items every hunter should carry.
1. Navigation Tools
Getting lost is all to easy especially when hunting unfamiliar terrain. Ensure you always carry a map, compass or a GPS unit to help you get back to your hunt camp or home.
2. First Aid Kit
It’s best to be prepared, as accidents can and will happen when you least expect it. Make sure you carry a well stocked first aid kit, medicine and most importantly, a CAT tourniquet. A tourniquet is the MUST-HAVE item in your pack!
3. Food and Water
Staying hydrated and fueled is important on long hunts. Always pack enough food and water for the entire trip. Don’t forget to carry a water filter with you.
4. Appropriate Clothing
Dress in layers and wear durable, weather-appropriate clothing. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, and don’t forget gloves, boots, and a hat. It’s also a good idea to pack extra socks, pants and a shirt.
5. Fire Kit
Lastly, and just as important, if not more, is a fire kit. With a fire kit, you’ll always be prepared incase the weather turns, you’re in a survival situation, or to simply warm up and have a hot meal.
A Final Thought on Hunting Safety
So in essence, what makes hunting a safe outdoor activity is your ability to hunt safely, adhering to rules and regulations and practicing firearm safety. Hunting safety is more than just carrying the appropriate gear. It is about being conscious of your surroundings and using your best judgment when deciding whether or not to take that shot. It is about having the right attitude and respect for other hunters and the environment, which allows hunting to be continued by many who rely on it.
Following the dos and don’ts of hunting safety will bring you closer to a more rewarding and safe hunt. Lastly, don’t forget to perfect your aim with continuous target practice or trap shooting during the off-season. Remember to handle your firearms safely and keep abreast of the local laws and regulations for the hunting area!
If you have a hunting safety tip that I missed, please let me know in the comment section below.
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