In the state of Pennsylvania, hunting is a favorite outdoor sport for many. Unfortunately, every year during at least one of our state’s hunting seasons, there are several hunting- related accidents. To encourage the safety of hunters and those individuals who live near game lands, we provide the following tips.
- Wear florescent orange clothing from head to toe. In Pennsylvania, hunters are required to wear 250 square inches of florescent orange clothing on the chest, head and back when hunting in the fall and 100 square inches in the spring.
- Wear clothing that prevents exposure to cold temperatures, poisonous plants and insects.
- If you spend a lot of time in areas that are tick infested, speak to your doctor about being vaccinated against Lyme disease.
- Wear insect repellant containing DEET and follow directions.
- Check for ticks frequently and check your entire body once a day.
- Immediately remove ticks using a pair of tweezers.
- Never shoot at a sound or movement. Be 100 percent certain of your target.
- Make sure your shot path is safe.
- Never assume you are alone in the woods.
- Never assume that other hunters are acting responsibly.
- Never drink alcohol before hunting.
- Never wave or make sounds to make another hunter aware of you - this movement may attract fire. Yell in a loud voice and stay hidden.
- When sitting up against a tree or rock, make sure it is wider than your shoulders. This will prevent a hunter coming up behind you and mistaking you for a target.
- Do not wear red, white or blue while turkey hunting. These colors are the same as a gobbler’s head.
- Be careful using a gobbler call. The sound attracts hunters.
- Know your state’s game laws.
- Never hunt alone.
- Always let someone know where you are going and when you are going to return.
- Be familiar with the area where you are going to hunt.
- Carry survival gear at all times (first aid kit, compass, map, fire-starter and high calorie food).
- Always be courteous and maintain self-control.
- Hold onto your gun. Never lean it up against a tree or any other object.
- If hunting with a tree stand, never climb while holding your gun or bow (use a hoist rope instead), and always use a safety harness when climbing or descending.
- Never use a tree stand if the trees are icy or wet.
- Review these safety tips with your hunting companions before going out!
