Texas hunters getting ready for the opening day of general deer season Saturday are reminded to keep safety in the crosshairs.
“I want deer hunters to be safe, legal and responsible at all times. And if they’re safe, they’re going to have a fun experience, and certainly, we want it to be fun, as well,” said Steve Hall, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) hunter education coordinator, in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.
Hall said Texas had an all-time low number of incidents last deer season, and he wants the trend to continue.
The big four for gun safety are to always making sure your firearm is pointed in a safe direction, always treat it like it is loaded, always make sure of your target before you shoot (use binoculars, not your rifle scope) and keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to pull it.
Hall said you can’t call a bullet back, and it always has the right-of-way.
“Texas hunting accidents show that most deer hunting incidents are caused by having loaded firearms in vehicles or around vehicles. And there’s no reason to have that,” said Hall. “You really shouldn’t have a loaded firearm until you’re absolutely ready to hunt or shoot a deer. Making sure the firearms in the vehicle are unloaded, in their case, and separate from their ammunition is a really important step for most deer hunters.”
He recommends cleaning your rifle, checking for any mechanical problems and getting it sighted in before you head afield. Being sure all equipment is in good shape is necessary for safety afield.
If you were born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, and this is going to be your first deer season, keep in mind you must be able to show proof of hunter education in the field. If you are under 17, you can hunt without proof if you are accompanied by a licensed hunter 17 years of older who is either certified or exempt (born prior to Sept. 2, 1971). If you are 17 and over and have not completed the course, you can obtain a one-time deferral at a hunting license dealer if you aren’t able to get into a course or take an online-only course in time. Information about hunter education is available online or by calling 512-389-4999.
TPWD’s annual Hunting Accident Report for 2015 identifies the factors involved in reported hunting accidents last year. The number one cause involved hunters swinging on game outside a safe zone of fire. One way to stay out of some other hunter’s sights is wearing blaze orange clothing or hat.
Hall said blaze orange is not mandatory in Texas unless you’re hunting on public land, but that it makes a lot of sense. Deer cannot see color, but other hunters can.
A thing to remember about deer stands, especially permanent blinds, is that they make good habitat for smaller animals. Always check your blind for stinging insects, snakes and other critters that might have been living in it during the off-season.
“One of the blinds I got into one time had three black widow spiders in it. So be careful when you’re getting in and out of blinds. Make sure that you’re alert at all times,” Hall said.