Thousands of hunters flock to the woods of West Virginia each fall for bow and gun deer seasons. It’s an exciting time of year for hunters so it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but taking some time to review safety is one thing you shouldn’t overlook as you prepare for your hunting adventures.
While hunting is one of the safest forms of outdoor recreation, it’s only safe if you take the right precautions and do what you’re supposed to be doing. In fact, most accidents happen because a hunter wasn’t following safety rules and regulations for properly storing and transporting their weapon.
The best way to learn about safe hunting is completing a hunter education course, which is required before a hunter can purchase a hunting license. The course is free and covers topics such as gun safety, wildlife management, ethics, survival,first aid, game identification and how to safely hunt. Classes are led by DNR Police officers who are experienced hunters and experts in hunting regulations.
To find and register for Hunter Ed classes go to www.register-ed.com.
By teaching you how to be safe, these courses make you a better hunter. Because the best hunters are safe hunters and the best hunt is a safe hunt. That’s why DNR Police are out during hunting seasons to make sure everyone is not only safe and following regulations but enjoying themselves.
The best hunters are safe hunters
You’ll learn a lot during a hunter education course, but here’s a few things you should always remember.
- Make sure your weapon is unloaded when not in use.
- Wear the right amount of blaze orange during firearm season.
- Connect a safety harness to your tree stand at all times.
Hunting safety protocols not only keep you safe, they can save your life. To learn more about West Virginia’s hunter education program, click here.