Safe hunting begins with safe habits

(MS) - Although game animals and hunting gear needs vary across the country, there is one aspect of hunting that is universal - the topic of safety. The combination of powerful weapons and the thrill of the hunt can lead to injury or death if safety precautions aren't taken or mistakes are made. Before you grab your gun or bow, take a refresher course in hunting safety, and follow these tips:

· First and foremost, always treat your disarmed bow or gun as if it were loaded. Never assume that the weapon is completely safe.

· Never point your weapon in anyone's direction, even if it is unloaded. And don't rest a weapon on your toe or foot, or up against a fence or tree.

· Know your safe zone-of-fire and stick to it. Your safe zoneof fire is the area or direction in which you can safely fire a shot. (It is called the "down range" at a shooting facility.) Be sure you know where your companions are at all times. Never swing your gun or bow out of your safe zone-of-fire.

· Keep the safety engaged at all times, until the time when you are ready to shoot.

· Clearly identify your target before shooting. Every year, people are shot because they are mistaken for deer or other animals. Until your target is fully visible and in good light, do not even raise the scope of your rifle to see it, but use binoculars, instead, to clarify the target. Know what is in front of and behind your target. Never take a shot at any animals on top of ridges or hillsides since you don't know what is behind it. It is a good idea to scout out your proposed hunting area to make sure there aren't homes or roads close by.

· Know the range of your weapon: how far it will shoot; what loads you have in the chamber; and how accurate you are with a bow or gun. (It's a good idea to visit a gun range prior to hunting season and fire your weapon to gauge accuracy.)

· When hunting from a tree stand, use fall restraints, like a shoulder harness or safety belt, to prevent you from falling.

· Keep your emotions in check. No trophy buck or pheasant is worth risking making a mistake.

· Hunt only during the state-allowed hours, usually from dawn until dusk. Never hunt at night or in weather where visibility is compromised.

· Make sure you are hunting on state-approved land. Avoid areas that are "Posted" as private property.

· Always unload your weapon after use. In addition, don't climb over a fence, duckblind or (a camouflage, bushlike object that prevent ducks from spotting you in the water) into or out of a tree stand with a loaded weapon.

· Practice ear and eye safety. Many hunters damage their ears by repeatedly firing a weapon without proper ear protection. If you must listen for game approaching, put a soft earplug in the ear closest to the weapon to acquire some protection. Wear protective eye goggles as well.

· Keep your weapon clean and well maintained. The smallest amount of debris lodged in your weapon (even a small amount of snow in a rifle barrel) can cause a misfire and potential injury. Always dismantle and check the weapon carefully after each use, and any time it is dropped.

· Wear conspicuous-colored clothing, like bright fluorescent orange, so you'll stand out in thick foliage and not be mistaken for an animal. If you live in a rural area, during hunting seasons (which vary by state and weapon), have family members protect themselves by dressing in bright colors as well.

· Never drink alcohol or use drugs before or during a hunting trip.

Reprinted courtesy of New York Department of Environmental Conservation