Other Safety Considerations

Self-Control and Target Identification

Some hunters may become overly anxious or excited on a hunt, which can lead to careless behavior. They may fire at sounds, colors, movements, or unidentified shapes, or simply shoot too quickly. In the excitement after hitting their target, they may swing a loaded firearm toward their companions or run with the safety off toward a downed animal.

Self-control is an essential aspect of hunter safety. Only shoot when you know the target is legal game and that no people, domestic animals, buildings, or equipment are in the zone-of-fire—remember that bullets can pass through game and continue on for some distance with deadly force.

Slow, careful shooting is not only safer, but it produces a higher degree of success.

Accuracy

Shooting accurately is not only the key to successful hunting, but it’s also a safety factor. Some accidents, often deadly ones, have occurred when stray bullets have hit people out of the shooter’s sight. Be sure you have a proper backstop before you shoot.

Accuracy is also essential for achieving a clean kill. No real sportsman or sportswoman wants to wound game and cause needless suffering. You must learn how to hit the vital organs of the game you hunt. Knowing your game, equipment, and skill level will tell you when you’re in position to make a clean kill.

A rifle scope should never be used as a binocular.

Alcohol and Drugs

Consuming alcohol before or during the hunt increases the risk of incidents because it impairs several functions:

• Coordination
• Hearing
• Vision
• Communication
• Judgment

Drugs can have a similar effect. If you have to take prescription medicine, check with your physician to see if it’s safe to take while hunting.

Safety Tips for Bowhunters

Be a knowledgeable and prepared bowhunter.

• Select a bow that is properly fitted to you and that meets the legal and ethical requirements of the game you plan to hunt.
• Ensure that the bow is in good operating condition. Make a habit of conducting a pre-hunt inspection of your equipment before each trip.
• Purchase arrows matched to the draw weight and draw length of your bow. Mismatching equipment can lead to poor accuracy, safety problems, and possible injury to you.
• Make sure that the arrows are straight and that their points are sharp and matched to the game you’re pursuing.
• Tune your bow to the equipment (such as broadheads) you will be using.
• Assemble a repair and maintenance kit with spare parts and tools. Your local archery pro shop can recommend items for your kit and give instructions on basic bow maintenance.

The best thing you can do for your safety and the safety of others is simple ... Don’t drink and hunt! Because you can drink faster than your system can burn the alcohol off, there is an increasing level of alcohol in your blood. This level is referred to as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).