This hunting season, make safety your top target

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to follow safety precautions before, during and after any hunting activities this fall.

Virtually all hunting incidents can be attributed to a violation of one or more of the four basic rules of firearm safety, commonly known as TAB-K:

T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

B – Be certain of your target, what’s before and beyond it.

K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

In addition to TAB-K, hunters must follow all hunting regulations and only take aim during legal shooting hours.

Additionally, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must have a hunter education certification to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law. Learn more about safe hunting in Wisconsin and register to take a hunter education course on the DNR’s Firearm Safety webpage. 

Blaze orange and fluorescent pink required; recommended for non-hunters

Hunters are also reminded of the blaze orange or fluorescent pink requirement that applies during any open statewide firearm season, such as the annual 9-day statewide gun deer season from Nov. 22 through Nov. 30.

Hunters must be wearing at least 50 percent blaze orange or fluorescent pink from the waist up. Any hats or hoodies worn must also be at least 50 percent blaze orange or fluorescent pink.

The DNR also encourages the non-hunting public and their pets to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink during the gun deer season if they plan to recreate on public lands open to hunting.

Tree stand safety

Hunters using a tree stand or any elevated device should check their stands for wear and tear. This goes for the tree where the stand will be set. Check to ensure the tree can support the stand and the person.

To avoid accidents and ensure a safe outing, always be mindful of the basic rules of tree stand safety before and during every hunt:

• Always use a full body harness.

• Always use three points of contact when climbing into or down from the tree stand.

• Always use a haul line to raise and lower unloaded weapons.

• Use a lifeline to stay connected from the time you leave the ground until the time you climb down.

• Let someone who is not hunting know your plan, including your location and estimated return time.

• Carry a charged cell phone.

To review these tips and take a free tree stand safety course, visit the DNR’s Outdoor Skills webpage.