Brisk weather and falling leaves signal lots of autumn arrivals, including the start of hunting season. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an enthusiast, a beginner or someone who just wants to safely enjoy the outdoors, these hunting safety tips will help. Over the next few weeks, we will be posting safety tips related to hunting and being outdoors during hunting season.

  • Plan for the weather. Hunters can be at risk for hypothermia in cold, wet conditions, but also in temperatures as high as 50 degrees. Dress in warm layers, avoiding moisture-retaining cotton and remembering a water-repelling outer layer. Before setting out, check the weather report to make sure you won’t be caught off guard by other inclement weather.
  • Wear the right clothing. Avoid colors and patterns that blend into your surroundings, including whites, blacks, browns, earth tones, animal patterns and camouflage. Bright orange, red or green clothing is best-especially for vests and hats.
  • Alert someone of your plans. Never head out on a hunting trip without letting a friend or relative know where you’ll be and when you expect to return.
  • Take a GPS or compass to prevent getting lost. Mark a waypoint at your vehicle.
  • Carry a flashlight while walking through the hunting area before or after daylight.
  • Be familiar with the area you want to hunt.
  • Carry a first aid kit.
  • For non-hunters especially, make some noise. This includes talking loudly (to yourself or a companion), whistling or singing-especially if you hear a shot nearby. Once hunters have acknowledged your location, show courtesy by reducing excessive noise that might scare away animals.
  • Keep pets safe, too. Don’t let dogs off-leash in an area that allows hunting-especially if they like to chase deer.
  • If you want to avoid encountering hunters altogether, find a location where hunting is not allowed. This typically includes most state and national parks. Check your local regulations; Sundays are often hunting-free days in some areas.