Department of Natural Resources Stresses Hunter Safety Ahead of Rifle Season

(KNSI) — With the firearms deer opener just days away, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials are reminding hunters to practice proper safety techniques.

Lieutenant Mike Martin of the Division of Enforcement says that starts with the correct handling of a rifle.

“Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Know your target and what’s beyond it, and then keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you’re on target and ready to shoot.”

He also recommends that people take the time to understand what the rules are regarding chronic wasting disease for where they will be hunting. With CWD now in eight distinct areas of Minnesota, the DNR says it’s crucial that hunters use their deer permit area numbers to determine what disease management measures they need to follow.

Martin is asking hunters to know their limits. He says some of the most dangerous aspects of the sport have nothing to do with using a gun. Martin says to make sure tree stand equipment is in proper working order, and getting into it and back down out of it is not a problem. He also urges precautions after shooting the deer.

“The main critical incident that I have been involved with has been heart attacks. So, know your limitations when you’re dragging a deer out of the woods. You need to guard against overexertion. One thing that I use that’s really helped is a sled. Putting the deer on the sled and then having a harness that I can attach myself to the sled.”

Martin encourages hunters to have a cell phone with them, either in the stand or in their vehicle nearby, in case of a medical emergency. He says to let friends or family know of an expected schedule so they can get in contact if a hunter doesn’t arrive home or back to camp on time.

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