MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) — Saturday is the start of the nine day gun deer hunt, and the Department of Natural Resources is offering up some last minute safety checks before you head out into the woods.
State hunter education administrator John King says you should always use a harness for yourself and a weapon when getting into your stand. “Although harnesses can be a little tricky and time consuming to put on, if you wear them and use them properly, they’re going to do their job. They’re going to prevent you from falling out of a tree. When climbing your ladder or staircase into that stand, make sure you’ve always got three points of contact on the way up and down.
Hunters who use blinds or shacks should also take a once over of their equipment. King says that goes double if you’re using a gas powered space heater. “Is the heater in good working order? Do you have a little bit of venting in that shack so that you’re not being exposed to carbon monoxide from that? Stuff that you bring along you, make sure you keep it a safe distance away from that.”
When you get in the woods, remember to bring your cellphone. King says it’s probably the most versatile multi-tool you can have. “A GPS if you’re going into large tracks of wood. If I fall, I’d like to have someone to come and get me. If you do see or observe a violation of law, you can report that to the Department of Natural Resources.” You should also bring a whistle, a first aid kit and heating packs. Always make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be home.
You can find more deer safety tips online at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/deer.html
