This fall, many California citizens will be taking to the great outdoors to engage in hunting. No matter the season, though, there are certain precautions that always need to be taken so that you are kept safe from harm when in hunting environments. A new report goes into detail on the steps that both hunters and persons who share the area with them can take in order to protect themselves from harm.
For hunters, it’s important to start preparing for the trip in the right manner before you even head out. You should look at the weather forecast for the day and dress accordingly. If rain makes the ground slick, the chances of tripping go up dramatically, along with all attendant injury hazards. You should wear warm clothing and bring an extra set along in case you get soaked to the bone. An orange vest for you and a hunting dog companion is also essential.
You’re also going to want to have a first aid kit packed so that you can go into action immediately if an accidental discharge or some other type of incident leads to an injury. So that people can find you when you’re out in the wilderness, you ought to leave an itinerary with someone you trust who can act if they don’t hear back from you within a designated timeframe.
You should get to know the terrain ahead of time as well. Check on a map to see if there are any obstacles to surmount or if your travels are going to bring you near areas frequented by hikers or other hunters. If you are in such areas, it becomes increasingly important to line up and be sure of your shot before you pull the trigger. You should never get a shot ready to go unless you’re willing to pull the trigger. Keep the safety on until such times, and never shoot at anything you can’t be 100% sure isn’t a sanctioned animal.
Many of the same preparation tips also apply to hikers who are going to be in the vicinity of hunting grounds. Bright clothing for you and your dog are a must. And whereas hunters are striving to be quiet so that they don’t alert their quarry, you want to be as loud as you can so that those same hunters know a human is nearby. This is particularly important if you actually hear a report echoing across the area. Shout so that the hunter knows you’re around.
Finally, think twice before hiking in areas frequented by hunters during peak seasons. If you’re never brought near such places, you’ll never be subject to a potentially deadly accident.