By Vanessa Selle
With bow season almost over and rifle season right around the corner, keeping some basic safety in mind while going out in the woods this time of year is essential. These tips are important to know whether you like to hunt or just spend time in nature.
The Michigan DNR posts general gun safety rules that every hunter is taught in their Hunters Safety course, and below are the main ones.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Put your finger on the trigger and turn the safety off only when you are ready to shoot.
- Be aware of your surroundings-know your target and what is beyond it.
- Unload the firearm when crossing obstacles and getting out of a tree stand or ground blind, and unload the firearm and keep it in a case when transporting it in a vehicle.
- Obey “no trespassing signs”
- If your game goes onto property marked as “no trespassing,” you must have the landowner’s permission to retrieve your game.
And the most important rule for hunters and non-hunters alike:
- Hunter orange should be worn as the outermost layer of clothing and must be visible from all directions. Camouflage garments must legally be at least 50 percent hunter orange.
Following these rules keeps yourself and others with you or in the woods safe. It ensures that those walking in the woods but not hunting will be easily visible in the woods by a hunter. Even if you don’t think you need hunter orange just for a walk in the woods, it is strongly encouraged to ensure that you are clearly visible to hunters.
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.
