Safety Tips During Small Game Hunting

Except on the opening day, “small game hunting” is permitted for almost all species starting half an hour before the sun rises until half an hour after sunset.

In most U.S. state forests as well as areas in wildlife management, “small game hunting” will only be available on a certain number of established areas under the “permit-required” hunting program.

“Permit-required” areas typically are open to the public through a daily “permit system” and normally are made accessible through private land owners’ cooperation with local sportsmen’s associations or clubs.

Anybody aged 10 and over must acquire a license to hunt “wild birds” or animals with the following guidelines:

• Children below10 years old are never permitted to hunt.

• Hunters that are between 10 -15 years should have a “junior license”.

• Hunters that are 16 years and over should have an “adult license” to hunt.

Here are safety tips when hunting:

1. To avoid tick bites, always tuck or insert your T-shirt into “your pants” and make sure that your pants are tucked into “your boots”.

2. Women must purchase and use outdoor footwear specifically made for them; never wear men’s boots.

3. Stop at a certain point and look back, take a good long look and survey the trail you followed to avoid getting lost.

Also look for markers, such as a large tree.

4. Wear the proper hand warmers.

5. Stop and bend down to pick up a cigarette butt, or any litter left behind by other hunters.

6. Carry along a few waterproof matches.

7. Clean your riffle before and after use. Never fire over 20 shots if you did not clean the bore. Also, do not allow your riffle to gather dirt as this lessens its performance.

8. Wear hunting cloths with plenty of pockets to provide extra storage for such things as water bottles, snacks, a handy first aid kit, etc.

9. Choose clothing patterns suitable for hunting but pay attention to comfort as well. Avoid extra bright colors as they will only announce your arrival.

10. Wear an attractive orange colored cap.

11. When you see somebody who is hunting near your location, always call out and inform them of your location, to avoid being shot at if you are mistaken as their target.

12. Treat your riffle as if it were loaded at all times and point or aim the muzzle in a very safe direction.

13. Always be certain of your “target” as well as what is behind your target before you pull the trigger. When not sure, call out.

Stay safe, happy hunting!