Deer Season Success Starts with Safety

Deer season in Wisconsin is fast approaching. This year, the main event – the nine-day gun-deer season – runs from Nov. 22-30.

As tens of thousands of hunters gear up to spend days in the woods, DNR experts remind everyone to prioritize safety this fall. Hunters and public land users may be sharing fields or forests and need to understand that safety is everyone's responsibility. 

While hunters should follow all safety rules and are required to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink during active firearm deer seasons, non-hunters enjoying public lands are also encouraged to wear these bright colors to increase their visibility.

Beyond wardrobe choices, the DNR reminds all hunters to practice the four rules of firearm safety, known as TAB-K:

• T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• B - Be certain of your target, what's before and what's beyond it.
• K - Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Check out the DNR's Firearm Safety webpage for more information on basic firearm safety.

A safe hunt requires not only proper firearm safety but also proper planning. Before heading out to hunt, inspect your gear and ensure everything is in working order. This is also the perfect time to repair or replace anything that might compromise safety.  

Blaze orange clothing that has faded over time, a jacket that doesn't fit right or a scope that isn't adjusted correctly can compromise your safety and the safety of others. The same goes for your stand or blind, especially if you hunt from an elevated position.

Whether hunting alone or with others, plan your hunt and hunt your plan. If hunting alone, let someone know your plan and anticipated return. If hunting with others, make sure everyone else knows and understands the plan and follows it.  

It never hurts to brush up on tree stand safety basics.

When selecting a location for your tree stand, look for large trees that can support your weight and avoid trees with obvious decay or disease. Always wear a full-body harness or fall-arrest system when hunting from elevation, ensure all lines are secure, and take time to review the manufacturer's setup instructions. 

Visit the DNR's Tree Stand Safety webpage to review more tips and take a free tree stand safety course. 

An incident can happen at any time, so it's important to follow basic safety rules and plan ahead. A little preparation goes a long way to help ensure a safe and successful hunt.

The DNR's Deer Hunting webpage has everything you need to know about deer hunting, including complete season dates and regulations, deer management details and more tips on preparing for the hunt.

Hunt safe, Wisconsin!