Ready For The Hunt

ANDREA ZANI

Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

Starting with the archery and crossbow season in mid-September, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy deer hunting in Wisconsin. The main event — the nine-day gun-deer season — runs from Nov. 19-27 this year.

The DNR reminds gun-deer hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to practice firearm safety this hunting season. Hunters and public land users may be sharing fields or forests and need to be aware and alert.

While hunters should follow all safety rules, non-hunters enjoying public lands should consider wearing blaze orange during the fall deer hunting season to increase their visibility.

Beyond wardrobe choices, the DNR reminds hunters afield to practice the four rules of firearm safety, known as TAB-K. Any hunting incident can be attributed to a violation of one or more of these rules.

T — Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

A — Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, where the bullet will travel harmlessly in case of an unwanted discharge.

B — Be certain of your target, what’s before and what's beyond it. Know that a safe backstop for a bullet is present before shooting to be sure no one gets hurt. Not knowing your target is the most frequently broken rule of shooting safety.

K — Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot to avoid an unwanted discharge.

A safe hunt also requires having your gear in proper working order. Firearms should be cleaned and closely inspected for any signs of mechanical wear that could cause problems in the field.

Also inspect clothing and other equipment for signs of wear and tear and repair or replace anything that might compromise safety. Blaze orange clothing that has faded over time, a jacket that doesn't fit right or a scope that isn't adjusted correctly can compromise your safety and the safety of others.

Tree stand safety is another consideration for many deer hunters. Wood can rot, steps may snap or railings fail, and climbers can slip and fall.

Always use a fall-restraint device every time you hunt above the ground, regardless of whether you hunt with a ladder stand, tower stand or hang-on stand.

A little preparation goes a long way to help ensure a safe and successful hunt.

LEARN MORE

Check dnr. wi.gov/tiny/104 for everything you need to know about deer hunting including complete season dates and regulations, information on chronic wasting disease, deer management details and more tips on preparing for the hunt. Buy a hunting license at gowild.wi.gov.