Environment DEC
From the December 2006 issue
DEC Commissioner Reminds Hunters to Follow Safe Hunting Guidelines
DEC Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan recently urged those who hunt in New York State to follow safe hunting guidelines:
"During this season, I ask hunters across the state to continue their tradition of safe hunting," Commissioner Sheehan said. "DEC values New York's hunters and their safety. I ask hunters to take a moment to review DEC's hunting regulations and guidelines, and thoroughly prepare for each hunting trip to ensure a safe and successful hunting season."
2005 Season was New York's Safest
Last year was New York's safest hunting season in history. New York State experienced 29 injuries statewide. Fifteen of these occurred during deer season. Unfortunately, three of the deer season incidents in the popular Southern Zone were fatal.
Most hunting-related shooting incidents involve members of the same hunting party, and virtually all are easily preventable. Every hunter has the power to prevent such injuries with safe gun handling and careful shooting. Each hunter can also help other hunters avoid mistakes by following five simple safety rules represented in the easy to remember saying, "Assume control from trigger to target and beyond."
Can you spot both hunters in
this photo? Make sure to wear
blaze orange to avoid accidents
- Assume every gun is loaded. Unload guns when not in use, but never take chances with any firearm;
- Control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction;
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot;
- Be sure of your target and beyond, and
- Wear hunter orange so you're easily seen while hunting.
"Following the five simple safety rules will prevent virtually all hunting-related shooting incidents," Commissioner Sheehan said. "All hunters learn these rules when they take the safety course required for new hunters. As a graduate of New York's hunter education course, I appreciate the efforts of over 3,000 dedicated DEC volunteers who teach hunter education courses. Thanks to them, we now have a generation of hunters that is very safety conscious."
Share Your Hunting and Trapping Experience: Volunteer!
DEC continually seeks experienced hunters and trappers to pass on the traditions of safety, responsibility and conservation to the next generation. Volunteers can apply for free training to teach a variety of hunter education courses. If you are interested in joining DEC in this rewarding volunteer activity, call 1-888-HUNT-ED2, or visit the Sportsman Education Program web page of DEC's website at "Related Links" below.
More Safety Tips
For more hunting safety tips, see the full press release or visit the Hunting and Outdoor Safety web page of DEC website at "Related Links" below.
DEC wishes all hunters a safe and successful hunting season.
