Environment DEC
From the December 2004 issue
Commissioner Crotty Reminds Hunters to Follow Safe Hunting Guidelines
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty urged people who hunt in New York State to follow safe hunting guidelines during the Southern Zone big game season, which began on November 22.
"During this season, I ask hunters across the state to continue their tradition of safe hunting," Commissioner Crotty said. "DEC values the contributions and safety of New York's hunters. I ask hunters to take a moment to review DEC's hunting regulations and guidelines and be thoroughly prepared for each hunting trip to ensure a safe and successful hunting season."
Incidents Then and Now
Last year was New York State's safest hunting season in history, with only 32 incidents statewide. Twenty of them happened during deer season. Unfortunately, two incidents that occurred during the popular Southern Zone hunting season were fatal. So far this year, one deer hunter has been killed and three others were injured during the Northern Zone deer hunting season, which opened on October 23.
Safety Rules for Hunters
Most hunting related incidents involve members of the same hunting party. Virtually all such shootings are preventable through safe gun handling and careful shooting. Each hunter can help other hunters avoid mistakes by wearing hunter orange, carefully planning each hunt, and insisting that all members of the hunting party follow the following five simple safety rules:
- Assume every gun is loaded, and unload guns when not in use.
- Control the muzzle, and keep it pointed in a safe direction.
- Keep your trigger finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and beyond.
- Wear hunter orange.
"Following the five simple safety rules will prevent virtually all hunting related shooting incidents. Every hunter learns these rules when they take the safety course required for all new hunters," Commissioner Crotty said. "As a graduate of New York State's Sportsman Education Course, I appreciate the efforts of over 3,000 dedicated DEC volunteers who teach it. Thanks to them, we now have a very safety conscious generation of hunters."
More Tips for Hunters
Take Care Even When Not Shooting
In recent years, nearly half of deer hunting-related shooting incidents resulted from unintentional discharges, that is, when people were not shooting. DEC safety experts urge hunters to practice constant muzzle control, keeping the safety on at all times and fingers outside the trigger guard while carrying firearms.
Wear hunter orange clothing
so that other hunters
can spot you
Wearing Hunter Orange Saves Lives
The effectiveness of fluorescent or blaze orange safety clothing speaks for itself. About 80 percent of big game hunters in New York State put the odds in their favor by wearing orange. Over the past 10 years, 15 New York State big game hunters have been mistaken for deer and killed, and every one of these victims was from the small minority of hunters who did not wear hunter orange. A 16th hunter who did not wear hunter orange also was killed in the line of fire when another hunter shot at a deer. Even though hunter orange is highly visible to humans, studies show that deer are not alarmed by it.
Friendly Reminders Can Save Lives
Hunters who see a partner's finger inside the trigger guard when he or she is not shooting or a barrel momentarily swinging in an unsafe direction owe it to themselves and their companions to remind them of proper safety rules. Most injuries from unintentional discharges are self-inflicted and the remainder injure friends and relatives. Therefore, it is in your own best interest to remind hunting partners of safe hunting practices.
Hunt at a Safe Pace
Hunters should avoid overexertion, pacing themselves within the limits of their individual endurance and physical capabilities. Exhaustion can lead to carelessness in carrying firearms, as well as decreased shooting accuracy.
Know Where Other Hunters Are
Pay attention to anyone else who may be in the area. Plan your hunt and hunt your plan. This is especially important in deer drives. Most hunters like to use their knowledge of the deer's natural habits and movements, but some hunters still organize "drives" with a few of them moving deer out of an area toward their waiting hunting partners. Many of New York State's deer hunting injuries are associated with this practice, partly because hunters often have to shoot at running deer and are less likely to notice their partners in the background. Don't let anyone participate in a deer drive unless they are wearing hunter orange.
Use Caution on Tree Stands
While firearms-related hunting injuries are declining significantly, falls from tree stands are causing an increasing number of injuries. In recent years, dozens of hunters suffered serious, sometimes crippling, injuries in falls from tree stands. In the past few years, several New York State hunters died as a result of such incidents.
To minimize the possibility of tree stand injury, hunters should obey the following rules:
- Strap in FIRST. Use a full-body harness that supports the torso and legs, with a short safety line to prevent falls.
- Never climb with a gun or bow. Raise and lower it UNLOADED with a rope.
- Climb up and down the tree with a fall restraint. Most falls happen when climbing.
- Use a reliable, portable tree stand. Permanent tree stands, ladders and steps rot.
Volunteer Instructors Needed
DEC is always looking for experienced hunters and trappers to pass on the traditions of safety, responsibility, and conservation to the next generation. Volunteers can apply for free training this winter to teach one or more of the following courses: hunter education; bowhunter education; trapper education, or waterfowl hunter education. If you are interested in joining DEC in this rewarding volunteer activity, call 1-888-HUNT-ED2 for an application and information on becoming an instructor, or visit DEC's Website.
